John Thomas Kennedy's Obituary
John Thomas Kennedy Born January 18, 1927 Passed into eternal rest 3-13-2010 Resident of Union City John (Tom) Kennedy was born January 18, 1927 to John F. Kennedy and Nellie Kennedy in the town of St. Paul, Kansas. He was one of six children, born to John and Nellie. John was raised on a farm in Kansas until at the age of 17 he left for Kansas City and joined the Navy. It was while he was stationed at the Naval Air Station in Alameda that he met his wife of 63 years, Genevieve (Jenny) Ferreira. After a 5 month courtship they married Feb. 15, 1947 in Sunnyvale, CA. Besides his wife, John leaves behind two sons, John Jr. and his wife Anita and Chuck and his wife Carol. He also leaves four loving grandchildren, Jason (April) Justin (Deverie) Shelby (Rick and Heather (Jeremy). John was also the great-grandfather to nine. Andrew, Justin Jr., Noah, Kaley and Ryan Kennedy, Zach Peffer, Jordan Walker, Peyton and Colin Bishop. John is also survived by his siblings, Eileen Hight, Gert Gallo, Agnes Riggins and Howard Kennedy. He also had a brother Eugene whom proceeded him in death. He is also survived by many nephews and nieces. John spent 11 years in the Navy giving up his Naval career to be a husband and father. John worked many years for P & H Motors in Oakland, and then went on to become self employed by purchasing Excelsweld Company in Oakland. Later on John also purchased Union City Storage which is still owned by the family today. John loved his local teams, the Raiders and the A’s. He was an avid golfer, before his health started to decline. John passed away after a brave battle with liver cancer. At the time of his passing John was surrounded by his entire family. John valued family more than anything else in his life. He always enjoyed spending time and sharing a meal with those he loved. Everyone and even the stranger was welcome in John’s home and to sit at his table. A vigil mass celebrating John’s life will be on Thursday evening March 18th at 7:00 at All Saints Catholic Church in Hayward with visitation starting at 5:00. A funeral mass will follow on Friday, March 19th at 11:00 at All Saints Catholic Church as well. Burial will follow immediately after the mass at Chapel of the Chimes in Hayward. In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made in John’s name to the VFW Post #7906. VFW Post #7906 Paul E. Rivers Washington Township Veterans Memorial Bldg., 87154 Second St., Fremont, CA 94536.
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