Obituary of John J. Kennedy

John “Jack” Kennedy, 78 years, of Wesley Chapel FL formerly of Berlin NJ, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on May 1, 2021. Beloved husband of Joan Kennedy (née Sonsini). Loving father of Natalie (Bill) Beasley, John (Kathy) Kennedy, Jr. and Brian (Toni) Kennedy. Dear brother of Raymond (Peaches) Kennedy, Vicki (Jim) Albertson, Betty (Gene) Connell, Thomas (Barbara) Kennedy, Michael (Peggy) Kennedy and Mark (Kelly) Kennedy. Cherished Grandpop of Jaclyn and Billy Beasley, Sonia, Marissa and Jakob Kennedy. Also survived by many in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends.

Jack was raised in Barrington, NJ by two wonderful parents Ray and Vicki Kennedy. He loved football, baseball, and golf. He played the saxophone and started the band “Jack Kennedy & the Presidentials”.

Jack and “His Bride” Joan, met in high school, fell in love, and they were married on November 7, 1964. They were married for 56 wonderful years. His children Natalie (Bill), John (Kathy) and Brian (Toni) were his great source of pride.  Jack loved and treated Bill, Kathy and Toni like they were his own children.

He coached baseball and softball for Berlin AA for many years. Jack enjoyed going to Natalie’s softball games and to John & Brian’s football and wrestling matches at Eastern High School where his whistle could be heard by everyone.  Like his parents, he never missed a game in anything his children participated in.

Jack graduated from Goldey-Beacom School of Business.  He always had an entrepreneurial mindset.  In 1992, Jack and his daughter Natalie started their own business, Over Night Express, and worked together for many years. Though, he always said his favorite job was being retired. He loved going to Nascar races and crabbing every summer. Jack found happiness crabbing whether it was on a legitimate crab boat with a trout line in Maryland or sitting in a beach chair on the side of the White Horse Pike in Atlantic City.

Jack’s first granddaughter was Jaclyn, and he was especially happy to be part of her life everyday while growing up and seeing her graduate with a masters degree. His second grandchild was Billy, and he was bursting with pride the day Billy got his Wings of Gold and became a U.S. Navy Pilot. Jack admired his third grandchild Sonia’s dedication and perseverance in studying for her Doctorate in Pharmacy. Marissa, Jack’s fourth grandchild, is a wonderful hair stylist and although he had little hair, he was thrilled when she cut his hair. Jake, his fifth grandchild, is in high school. Jack enjoyed watching him play football and wrestling. Jack’s favorite saying to all of his grandchildren was “No Shortcuts” and he told them that each and every time he spoke to them. He was so proud of them all.

He loved his home at Saddlebrook Golf Resort in Florida and the life he and Joan built there together. He was the envy of everyone with his gardening abilities. Jack was always ready with a joke or story that would entertain everyone at the pool bar. Sometimes total strangers.

Jack loved playing golf and he played at least twice a week. He was a valued member of the Saddlebrook Men’s Golf Association (SMGA) for over 15 years. He was respected by everyone, had a great outgoing personality, and would play with anyone. He was so proud to have won several tournament “mugs” as well as his two “hole-in-ones”. Jack loved Florida but always looked forward to returning to NJ for the annual Kennedy Christmas party and to spend time with family and friends.

He knew Joan loved him with all her heart. He is the “love of her life” and she will miss his love forever and ever.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his visitation on Thursday May 20, 2021 from 10:00AM to 11:30AM at the COSTANTINO-PRIMO FUNERAL HOME, 231 W. WHITE HORSE PIKE BERLIN NJ 08009. Memorial service 11:30AM at the funeral home. Interment will take place privately. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105 or by following the link http://giftfunds.stjude.org/johnkennedy. Due to the current regulations, face masks must be worn, and attendance will be limited to follow all COVID-19 guidelines. To leave lasting condolences or photos, please use the links on this page.