Kennedy, David J., 65, of Valrico, FL passed away October 18, 2010. He was born in Grosse Point Farms, MI and spent his youth in Grosse Point Woods, MI. He was a graduate of the University of Detroit and served proudly in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, for which he was awarded a Bronze Star for his service. He moved to Florida shortly after returning home. He worked for the City of Tampa and retired as the Director of Management Information Systems. David enjoyed golfing, taking care of his aquariums, traveling, a leisurely ride on his motorcycle and serving as a handyman to his family. He was a devoted husband and father, and a doting grandfather.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Frances and Delia Kennedy and a sister, Kathleen Rieth. He is survived by his wife, Lynn; his daughters, Amanda Turner (Stephen) and Andrea Stretchberry; his siblings, Robert (Donna), James (Nan) and Nancy Kraska (Al). He loved his five grandchildren; Rachel, Brendan, David, Chloe and Ethan and a multitude of nieces and nephews. He will be missed forever by his loving dog, Chewie.
The family will receive friends at Southern Funeral Care, 10510 Riverview Drive, Riverview, FL 3569 on Thursday evening, October 21, 2010 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM. There will a prayer service at 7:00 PM at the funeral home. The burial and full military honors will be 11:00 AM, Friday morning, October 22, 2010 at Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Avenue, Bushnell, FL 33513 with Captain Art Nave and the Marion County Honor Guard, officiating. A memorial mass will then be held at 1:30 PM, Friday afternoon, October 22, 2010 at Nativity Catholic Church Chapel, 705 East Brandon Blvd, Brandon, FL 33510.
The family requests, that in lieu of flowers, to please make a donation to the Melech Hospice House, 11125 North 52nd Street, Temple Terrace, FL 33617 or the “Fisher House”, C/O James A. Haley VA Hospital, 13000 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 33567 in the Memory of David John Kennedy.
Visit www.veteransfuneralcare.com to sign the guest book.
Veterans Funeral Care
727-524-9202
Uncle Dave your warm smile and caring heart will be missed. The love you have shown over the years has not gone unnoticed and will shine on through Lynn and the girls. Thanks for always being there. Now Kathy will have her loving brother with her forever.
Our sympathy and prays to Lynn and her family.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you!
Our prayers and thoughts are with you!
Cherish your memories. They will help you carry David in your heart forever.
My prayers are with you and your family!
MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS TO AUNT LYNN,ANDIE,MANDY,AND THE FAMILY..UNCLE DAVE WILL BE TRULY MISSED.
So sorry for your lose. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Your cousin,
Cindy (Henderson) Grieves
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and we truly loved and respected Dave always and forever, He was such a sweet person.
Deep sympathy for your loss. Dave was truely a “Great” Uncle!
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
What a sad,sad day for all of us who knew Dave Kennedy, when he went to be with our Lord. He’s in a far better place but we will all miss his sweet ways.We are all better for having known Dave.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
My buddy Dave was a dear friend for over 50 years. Many memories, many, many good times.
I have been thinking of him constantly since he passed away.
My heart aches at this loss….
It will be the little things you remember the quiet moments,the smiles the laughter and although it may seem hard right now,it will be the memories of these little things that help push away the pain and bring the smiles back again
Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Dad…thank you for the last 31 years. Every minute of every hour of every day. Thank you for loving me unconditionally…thank you for pushing me to move forward…thank you for teaching me to ride a bike, to drive a car…for holding my hand…for giving me your “warm”…for teaching me to play cards…for throwing me in the pool. There are not enough words and too many emotions. You truly are the best of the best. I love you and will miss you every day for the rest of my life.
Our prayers are with you at this difficult time. Dave will be missed so so much and his memories will be in our hearts forever!
Dave was a dearest friend and buddy for more than 50 years.His kind ways, gentle smile and magnificent card playing will be missed forever. He always welcomed knew people into our group with kindness and love. He was very thoughtful and always listened to and respected different points of view. Many loved him and will miss him dearly.Dick Speiske, please welcome your good friend Dave with open arms.
I was just thinking about how I could summarize Dave’s entire life. These are the words that came to mind: Dave was a “First Class Act!”
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
I remember Dave well from high school. He will be missed on this earth. Austin 1963 Vietnam 67 68 USNR
I remember Dave well from high school. He will be missed on this earth. Austin 1963 Vietnam 67 68 USNR
Dave was a great guy and a wonderful friend to my father. Thank you for his service to our country and his friendship to a great group of guys throughout the years. My thougths are with your friends and family!
Dave will always be “one of the guys” who go way back to grade school and high school and have stayed close. Those guys, including my husband Bob, are so saddened; but they have so many wonderful memories and he is in their hearts forever. Love to Lynn, Mandy and Andy and the grandchildren that brought so much joy to Dave’s life.
Lynn; my prayers are with you in the your time of sorrow.
I’m so sorry for your loss. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.
Lynn, Mandy, and Andie, I cannot express to you how much Dave meant to us. He was like our third dad. One can only be blessed to have known Dave. He was very a special man and we will miss him so much. We love you all and will continue to pray for you. Please don’t hesitate to call us if you need anything.
Our deepest sympathy to Lynn and her family. Our thoughts
and prayers are with you. We will miss seeing Dave. He was truly a wonderful person.
Thinking of you at this time of sorrow.
To the entire Kennedy family, Keith and I are new to the neighborhood and have only know the family for just over a year, we are glad we got to know the family and feel like we are extended family…God bless you all and we will miss you dearly.
Dave was the best! His warm smile and friendly personality is such a loss to all who loved him. My heart goes out to Lynn and all of Dave’s family. He will always be missed.
Dear Lynn, Mandy and Andy,
I have no words to convey my sadness. I am lifting you all up in prayer for our Heavenly Father to comfort you all and help eaee your pain. Love and sincere sympathy, Pam
Andie you and your family are in our prayers. We are here for you if you need anything.
Lynn and girls…your sadness can never outweigh the love you had for this dear man. Just seeing him on Bunco nite showed what a fun-loving guy he was. I am truly sorry for your loss.
Deep sympathy for your loss.
I am so grateful for my visit with Uncle David in May when he came and was able to spend time with my husband and kids. He was genuinely interested in our lives and patient with my kids. I saw what a wonderful grandfather he was as he beamed with pride talking about his children and grandchildren and his beautiful wife, Lynn. At the time of his visit he surprised me with a walker, which has helped me get along much easier with my everyday tasks. As we had a chance to sit and reflect on our time with Grandma and Grandpa and his siblings, I could see that he knew that he was truly blessed and it was hard to know that his life was changing fast, but with the ease that he always put me in during our conversations over the years, Uncle David’s love was openly expressed. Uncle David was a very easy person to love and I will truly miss him. I can imagine hearing Grandma Kennedy’s and Aunt Kathy’s laughter as I am sure they share their stories of their lives journey. I will miss Uncle David and at the same time I am grateful for his peace. My thoughts and prayers go out to those who will be missing the presence of such a wonderful man. Let’s not take for granted our loved ones and the time we are blessed with to be surrounded by our families from the ones we see every day to our extended family that I tend to let time go by without letting them know how much I love them and am truly grateful to have in my life. My deepest sympathy to you and your family, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
I am so grateful for my visit with Uncle David in May when he came and was able to spend time with my husband and kids. He was genuinely interested in our lives and patient with my kids. I saw what a wonderful grandfather he was as he beamed with pride talking about his children and grandchildren and his beautiful wife, Lynn. At the time of his visit he surprised me with a walker, which has helped me get along much easier with my everyday tasks. As we had a chance to sit and reflect on our time with Grandma and Grandpa and his siblings, I could see that he knew that he was truly blessed and it was hard to know that his life was changing fast, but with the ease that he always put me in during our conversations over the years, Uncle David’s love was openly expressed. Uncle David was a very easy person to love and I will truly miss him. I can imagine hearing Grandma Kennedy’s and Aunt Kathy’s laughter as I am sure they share their stories of their lives journey. I will miss Uncle David and at the same time I am grateful for his peace. My thoughts and prayers go out to those who will be missing the presence of such a wonderful man. Let’s not take for granted our loved ones and the time we are blessed with to be surrounded by our families from the ones we see every day to our extended family that I tend to let time go by without letting them know how much I love them and am truly grateful to have in my life. My deepest sympathy to you and your family, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Uncle Dave and family.
Uncle Dave was one of the most unselfish people I have ever met in my lifetime. When you talked with him he was always focused and really listened. (something my wife says I need to work on!)
Because Uncle Dave left Detroit for the sunny weather in Tampa, we did not get to see him as often as we liked. But when we did have the opprotunity to see each other it was always great!
One of my favorite memories with Uncle Dave was a Christmas at Aunt Kathy’s house around 1976. Dave brought the electronic game named “Pong”. All the nephews were holed up in the basement with him never to be seen again as we all gazed into the TV and watched the green ball go back and forth across the screen! It was so cool! What did we know, we just liked hanging out with Uncle Dave.
It was so nice that we all had the chance to vist with Uncle Dave this past September up in Detroit. I am sure it was a tough trip for him to make but we all enjoyed seeing him soooo much!
Uncle Dave will be missed by all of us and we wish him peace.
Dear Lynn,
Please accept my deepest sympathy on the loss of your wonderful husband, Dave. I worked with Dave on a few real estate projects for the City and really enjoyed working with him. May I also extend my prayers and sympathy to everyone in your family who shares your loss.
Sincerely,
Patty Mira
Lynn and the girls, I was greatly saddened by the news of Dave’s passing and you all are in my thoughts and prayers. We had some great times together. Be strong!
To Lynn and Family: I just learned of Dave’s passing today from Terese (City’s Risk Mgmt. office). I probably last saw you and Dave at his retirement party. I hope you will remember me as I worked in PersonnelAdmin for many years. It was always a pleasure to see Dave whenever he came to our office on the 2nd Fl of City Hall. He had a positive approach to doing things. It was always a pleasure to work with Dave on his job openings. You have my sincerest condolences. May the memories that you shared with him bring youfamily comfort and peace.
Dad,
I love you. I love you so much. You taught me forgiveness, tolerance, and patience. You taught me to challenge myself. And the importance of education. I know I am a great parent because of you and mom. Thank you for teaching me so many things that matter so very much. I love you and will miss you every second of forever. I love you.
David Kennedy was a great man. After becoming close friends with his daughters and then visiting with some of his dearest friends yesterday I know he will be sorely missed but NEVER forgotten. The mark he’s left in life is great, I pray for his wife, children, grandchildren, family and friends ~ for they have a big hole in their hearts now. Please be comforted knowing David is with you, he truly is your angel now.
Dave touched us all in a way we will never forget. How I will miss the “How was your day, kiddo?” or Dave playing “Loch Ness Monster” with all of the kids…not to mention how we could send him scurrying to his den with a little girl talk at the kitchen table! May the Lord bless & keep you, Da.
Dad,
I love you so much. And I really miss you. You taught me so much, most importantly forgiveness, tolerance, and patience. And I know I am a great parent because of you and mom.
Thank you for loving mom, you and mom truly are meant for each other. Thank you for loving me and Andie and being such a fantastic father. Everything you did was for us, and we knew it. Oh boy, do I miss you. I love you so much.
Thank you for being the world’s most fantastic grandpa. Da. Our kids love their Da…and all that you did with them. Everything they made in school, every accomplishment, they couldn’t wait to share it with you. I will love you forever, and I know you are always with us.
I love you, Dad. I miss you. With all my heart.
Love,
Mandy
Donna and I would like to express our deepest sympathies with your loss of David. I still remember the first night we met as we picked him up and headed out on a adventure. I will miss him as it was the start of a 50 year friendship. May you find peace in the days ahead and we will keep you in our thoughts.
David, My brother-in-law, brother, and good friend. What a blessing it has been having him as a part of our lives. A wonderful father, husband to my sister, leader, councelor, teacher, generous, person I had the honor on knowing. God sure picked a Rose for his garden when he got David, I will be joining him one day, until then he will be turely missed. Love you Lynn, Andie, and Mandy. Always praying for you guys……..Jerry & Di
Having just returned from my life long friend Dave Kennedy’s funeral and reading over all the wonderful praises everyone has written, I think it has finally hit me that how much I will miss him. I met him in September of 1951 when we were in the first grade together. We were friends all our lives and with tears in my eyes I now have to say good bye to my friend Dave Kennedy forever and grieve that the end of his world came much too soon.
Dave I had the utmost respect for you before I even met you. Your adoption of the twins, and then the father you became for them speaks volumes! If I’d only had more time to get to know you better; however with all the testimonies provided by all your friends, family, and loved ones I understood how great a man you were. It’s true “they don’t make them like you anymore”. Till we meet again someday.
Dave was a fraternity brother of mine. Over the years, I have not forgotten his warm smile and friendly personality. May he rest in peace.
Lynn, Mandy, and Andy – I am so sorry for your great loss. Please accept my deepest sympathy. I am reminded of what I thought was a very moving scene at the end of the movie, Saving Private Ryan, in which the “older” James Ryan is at the cemetery and he asks his wife: “Was I a good man?” In this case the answer is so easy; indeed, David was a “good man”, one of the best; and a great friend. I will always carry the memory of his kind smile, easy laugh, quiet nature, and his good words for all. Goodbye, dear friend.
I wish I got to know you more, I wish you got to meet Will and Sean & Boy Andy, I wish you got to meet Skate and Lucky, I wish you got to see me get my first job, I wish you got to see me drive, I wish you got to see me in the pool again, I wish you knew I still eat biscuits every morning after you showed them to me. I wish you knew David still has your motorcycle, I wish you knew we all had jobs & cars and we all still go to Mimi’s. I still sometimes sleep over in my old room. I wish you got to see my mom graduate. I wish you got to see us all graduate. I wish you knew how good Chloe is doing, I wish you knew all of our girlfriends & boyfriends. I wish you were there to throw me in the pool even though I may weigh 180 pounds. I know you would be so proud of all of us. I just wish I could talk to you.