Clyde William Kennedy Jr.

Clyde William “Sonny” Kennedy passed away the morning of 14 August 2020, following complications from a stroke. Sonny was a hard-working, self-made man who never met a stranger. Born in Pennsylvania on 11 May 1936, he was immensely proud of his service to our country in the US Air Force and continued work with the US Armed Forces, which took him and his family all over the country and all over the world. Never one to stay still, even in retirement, he lived in New York, North Carolina, Maryland, and Michigan, always moving to be close to family and forming close circles of friends wherever he went. Sonny was always the first person to greet you and make you feel welcome, to buy you a drink and ask you to sit down, and debate politics. His genuine affection for those around him will be one of his lasting legacies. In his later years he found happiness in his house on the lake, fishing with his sons and grandchildren, and holding court with neighbors and friends around the campfire out on his back porch. Sonny taught his sons a love of nature and the outdoors, and instilled in them a strong sense of moral courage and a drive to stand up for what they believed to be right. He was a good man, and a one-of-a-kind bright light who lived life on his own terms. We are all better for having known him, and poorer for having lost him.

He was most proud of his two sons, their service to our country, and their successes. A modest man in most regards, Sonny was never shy to brag about his family and their achievements. He is survived by his wife, Dawn, his sons, Mike and Mark, and his grandchildren, Joseph, Elizabeth, Molly, and Hannah.

Given the current circumstances in our country, the family will not be holding funeral services at this time. Please rest assured that we will be giving him the Irish wake he would have wanted as soon as it is safe for all to travel and congregate.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Wounded Warrior project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org) or the National League of POW/MIA Families (pow-miafamilies.org) in his name.

“Life is a journey that’s measured not in miles or years, but in experiences.” Jimmy Buffett

Arrangements were handled by Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in St. Helen. www.steuernolmclaren.com