Obituary of Walter J Kennedy

Kennedy, Walter J Fairport: Born on February 26, 1927 in New York, New York. Walter passed away peacefully on the anniversary of D-day on June 6, 2014 in Rochester, New York at the age of 87. It was also National Doughnut Day, a favorite food of his. Beloved Father of Michael (Suzanne) Kennedy, Kathy (Harry) Lancaster, Margaret Stoecklein, Scott Kennedy, Mark (June) Kennedy, Claudia Kennedy, Lynne (Randy) McAlister. Loving Grandfather of Burke (Erica) Kennedy, Patrick Kennedy, Amy Lancaster, Kurt Lancaster, Jessica (late Matt) Raybun, Nicole Stoecklein, Quinlan Kennedy, Joshua Kennedy, Melissa Kennedy, Maria Kennedy, Michelle Kennedy, Claire Kennedy, Sean Adams, Sage Adams, Ian Adams and Great Grandson Dylan Raybun. Survived by his best friend and loving companion Irene Erwin of 35 plus years, his sister Mary Sheehan of Manhattan and brother Edwin Kennedy of Florida and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by Anna Brown Kennedy and sister Patty Kennedy. Walter was a World War II veteran in the US Army Air Corps for 2 years as an aviation cadet and physical education instructor. He began his career teaching for 3 years in East Irondequoit School District and stayed there for 37 more years as the elementary school principal at both Pardee School and Laurelton-Pardee School. After retirement Walt volunteered for 11 years at St. Louis Catholic School in Pittsford, NY. From 1963 until death he remained a licensed pilot, certified commercial flight instructor and hot air balloon instructor with a total of 3600 flying hours and 1500 instruction hours. He donated over 30 gallons of blood to the Red Cross throughout the past 60 years, each pint helping 3 babies in distress. He was a member of St. Louis Church, AOPA, the United Flying Octogenarians, the American Legion as well as various other organizations. His family will receive friends Monday 4:00 - 7:00pm at the funeral home. Friends are invited to meet the family Tuesday 11:00 am at St. Louis Church for his funeral mass. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to a charity of your choice. To share a memory or send the family a condolence, please visit www.harrisfuneralhome.com. The Following Is A Message From Irene Erwin: A Message of Appreciation There were very many people who touched Walter Kennedy’s life over 87 years. A sincere expression of gratitude to: Dr. Alexander Strasser and staff The staff at Highland and Strong Memorial Hospitals who came in contact with Walter Hospice care at Strong and Father Bob Kreckel, who administered Last Rites Father Bob Ring and the staff, co-volunteers and parishioner friends at St. Louis Church The administrators, teachers, parents and students of East Irondequoit School District and St. Louis School, who had the privilege of experiencing Walter’s joyful outlook on life and his enthusiasm and dedication to education. The “flyers” and staff at the Rochester Air Center and Palmair , where he received his pilot and instructor’s training Mark and the “military brigade” / work-out enthusiasts and staff at Perinton Rec Center The Georgetown East Community I would like to thank his beautiful family, including his grandchildren and great-grandchild, and my loving and dear family, for their kindness, generosity, caring and support during a difficult time. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all those who published, sent or came to express their condolences, or participated in the memorial services for Walter; the Harris Funeral Home, Brian Pelkey and Lisa Button. Walter loved God and all of God’s creation; he loved and served his country. He knew and valued life and what was important in life and cherished every day and the time he spent with his family and others. He saw the beauty in people and the world. Walter, God keep you close as you fly with angels and soar with eagles and gulls. Always remembered! Always loved! A Beautiful Human Being. Irene M. Erwin