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John J. Kennedy, 96, Retired Greenwich Public Works Commissioner

GREENWICH, Conn. - John J. Kennedy of Old Greenwich died Monday March 18. He was 96.

Kennedy was born May 18, 1917, in Greenwich, son of Michael and Mary Cosgrove Kennedy. A lifelong Greenwich resident, he attended St. Mary's School on Greenwich Avenue and Greenwich High School.

In 1940, John graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, N.Y., with a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering.

During World War II, he was commissioned an officer in the United States Navy, and served in the Pacific, attaining the rank of lieutenant junior grade. He was assigned to the post of commander, Headquarters Company of the 62nd Naval Construction Battalion, responsible for the reconstruction of Pearl Harbor.

Kennedy began his working career as a land surveyor and civil engineer for the local firm of S.E. Minor & Company. After earning newly imposed state certification just prior to 1960, he was awarded a professional engineer's license by the state of Connecticut. Shortly thereafter, he joined the engineering department of the Town of Greenwich. He was appointed Commissioner of Public Works in 1979, and served in that capacity until his retirement in 1987. He was a parishioner of St. Clements Church.

Kennedy is survived by daughter, Judith Kennedy Allison (John) of Stamford; sons, Michael Kennedy (Kathleen) of Concord, Mass., John T. Kennedy of Fairfield, and Jeffry M. Kennedy (Suzanne) of Alstead, N.H.; his five grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Hope; daughter-in-law Valerie Duff Kennedy; sisters, Catherine Kennedy Meany, Mary Kennedy, and Elizabeth Kennedy.

Calling hours are Thursday, March 21 from 4 to 8 p.m. Funeral Mass at St. Mary's Church Friday, March 22 at 9 a.m. immediately followed by burial at St. Mary's Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers , donations may be made to the American Heart Association, 5 Brookside Dr. Wallingford, CT 06492 or a charity of your choice .

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