Thomas J. Kennedy, 85, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family. Born in Holyoke in 1939, he attended Sacred Heart School. After high school he enlisted in the Marines, but was injured and honorably discharged. Back home he worked construction and paid his way through college. He attended Western New England University where he was both academically driven and active in the community. He was involved in the school newspaper and in starting the WNE basketball team, where he was Captain. He graduated attaining a Bachelor's Degree and continued his studies at Elms College, where he acquired a Master’s in Education. He became a teacher, eventually landing in South Hadley where he taught for many years. He loved teaching and had a profound impact on many of his students, many of them reaching out years later to visit “Mr. K” and thank him. He married Judy Dusek in 1968. They started a family and had 3 children. Thomas was proud to grow up and live his entire life in Holyoke. He wanted to give back to the city he loved and was elected to 2 terms (1976-1980) as an Alderman at Large, where he was a strong advocate for the creation of the Volleyball Hall of Fame and promoted many quality of life issues like the preservation of green space and trying to get people to see the potential of Holyoke with its river, canal system, mountain and historic architecture. He was a decade-long member of the Western Massachusetts Regional Health Planning Council, working to make healthcare more accessible to all, as well as an officer for SHEA, helping to protect worker’s rights. He also was a former member of the Lions Club and Toastmasters International. He loved God, his family, Holyoke, Irish music and the music of Jim Reeves, Red Sox baseball, nature and poetry. He published a book of poetry in 1984. Anyone who had the pleasure of being a part of Tom's life knew that he was full of life, love, understanding, and forgiveness. He took the teachings of Jesus to heart and tried to live his life accordingly. He had a lot of appreciation for the world and the many different kinds of people living in it. He welcomed anyone into his home. He is predeceased by his parents, Walter and Mary (O’Connor), as well as his siblings John Kennedy, Maureen Swierzewski, Joan Drennan, and Kathleen O’Sullivan. He leaves behind his wife Judy, son Kevin and his wife Stephanie, son, Thomas, and daughter, Kara Duff. Grandchildren Ryan, Ethan, and Sophia Kennedy and Aaron and Gabriel Duff as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Finally, his good friends, especially Walter, Patrick, and Roger. A special thanks to Peter and Sharon. As well as to Holyoke Hospice VNA particularly Danielle and Melissa. Thank you also to Western Mass Elder Services especially Monique, Kyle, Monica, and Mary. Additional thanks to Father Albert of Our Lady of the Cross. The Funeral will be held on Saturday, May 24, 2025 at 9:30am from the Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton St. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30am in Our Lady of the Cross Parish Church. Calling hours will be held on Friday, May 23rd from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at the funeral home.