Obituary for Thomas Kennedy
Thomas Patrick Kennedy, age 68, after suffering from Alzheimer’s for many years, passed away peacefully on October 8, 2021. He had been residing at the Memory Care Unit of The Trousdale in Burlingame, California.
Tom was born on October 28, 1952, in Chicago, Illinois to William James Kennedy and Marcelyn Lillian Ryan (both deceased). He was the second of four children in the Kennedy family. Tom grew up in Mount Lebanon, Pennsylvania and moved to California when his father’s company transferred him to the Bay Area. Tom met his wife of 38 years, Caroline Joe, at their church in Chinatown, San Francisco.
Tom majored in history at the University of Pittsburgh and received a master’s degree of Biblical Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary.
Tom had multiple jobs, but his longest tenure was as a station agent, first for the San Francisco Municipal Railway and then for the Bay Area Rapid Transit.
One of his hobbies was to cook and bake desserts. He often made rich decadent desserts for church potlucks and family dinners. For close friends, he would cater dinners for special occasions, including wedding rehearsal dinners. It gave him such joy to plan menus, shop and then spend the day cooking and baking.
Besides Tom’s love for his family and his church, he enjoyed a good cup of Peet’s coffee, playing the drums, watching all sports, and reading mystery novels.
Tom is survived by his wife, Caroline, sons Christopher (Nichole) and David, older brother Mark (Elizabeth), sister, Julie (Timothy) and younger brother Timothy. There is also a large extended family of in-laws, nieces, and nephews.
The family would like to thank the staff of the Trousdale in Burlingame, especially the care staff of the 3rd floor, who took such good care of Tom. Thank you to all the friends and family members who visited with Tom during his stay at the Trousdale. A very special thank to all those who came during Tom’s last week of life, singing to him, reading Scripture to him, and praying for him. Tom was lovingly ushered into the presence of God by you.
There will be a Memorial Service on Saturday, November 13, 2021, 11:00 AM at the Garden Chapel, 885 El Camino Real in South San Francisco.
As we have family and friends who are immunocompromised, the family respectfully asks that only vaccinated people attend the memorial service.
In lieu of flowers, you can donate to Tom’s church by sending a check to:
Grace Fellowship Community Church
3265 16th St.
San Francisco, CA 94103
Or donate online to the Alzheimer’s Association. Every year, Christopher forms a team to participate in the Alzheimer’s Walk. You can donate to the walk by going to:
www.alz.org
Choose Find Your Walk under Walk to End Alzheimer’s
Choose Find A Team
Type Team Kennedy (Kennedy, Christopher)
Tom was born on October 28, 1952, in Chicago, Illinois to William James Kennedy and Marcelyn Lillian Ryan (both deceased). He was the second of four children in the Kennedy family. Tom grew up in Mount Lebanon, Pennsylvania and moved to California when his father’s company transferred him to the Bay Area. Tom met his wife of 38 years, Caroline Joe, at their church in Chinatown, San Francisco.
Tom majored in history at the University of Pittsburgh and received a master’s degree of Biblical Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary.
Tom had multiple jobs, but his longest tenure was as a station agent, first for the San Francisco Municipal Railway and then for the Bay Area Rapid Transit.
One of his hobbies was to cook and bake desserts. He often made rich decadent desserts for church potlucks and family dinners. For close friends, he would cater dinners for special occasions, including wedding rehearsal dinners. It gave him such joy to plan menus, shop and then spend the day cooking and baking.
Besides Tom’s love for his family and his church, he enjoyed a good cup of Peet’s coffee, playing the drums, watching all sports, and reading mystery novels.
Tom is survived by his wife, Caroline, sons Christopher (Nichole) and David, older brother Mark (Elizabeth), sister, Julie (Timothy) and younger brother Timothy. There is also a large extended family of in-laws, nieces, and nephews.
The family would like to thank the staff of the Trousdale in Burlingame, especially the care staff of the 3rd floor, who took such good care of Tom. Thank you to all the friends and family members who visited with Tom during his stay at the Trousdale. A very special thank to all those who came during Tom’s last week of life, singing to him, reading Scripture to him, and praying for him. Tom was lovingly ushered into the presence of God by you.
There will be a Memorial Service on Saturday, November 13, 2021, 11:00 AM at the Garden Chapel, 885 El Camino Real in South San Francisco.
As we have family and friends who are immunocompromised, the family respectfully asks that only vaccinated people attend the memorial service.
In lieu of flowers, you can donate to Tom’s church by sending a check to:
Grace Fellowship Community Church
3265 16th St.
San Francisco, CA 94103
Or donate online to the Alzheimer’s Association. Every year, Christopher forms a team to participate in the Alzheimer’s Walk. You can donate to the walk by going to:
www.alz.org
Choose Find Your Walk under Walk to End Alzheimer’s
Choose Find A Team
Type Team Kennedy (Kennedy, Christopher)