Brian John Kennedy

It is with great sadness that we announce that Brian J. Kennedy of Plymouth, NH (formerly of Meredith, NH) passed away peacefully after a long illness.

Brian was born on January 27, 1947, in Woodsville, NH to John B. Kennedy and Doris (Austin) Kennedy. He graduated from Woodsville High School with the Class of 1965 and Manchester Community College in 1967. The following year he joined the New Hampshire Army National Guard, proudly serving for 27 years. During his years of service in the National Guard, he received many awards and accolades. It was during this time Brian found his sobriety, celebrating 38 years this past November.

Brian’s automotive career started at a young age working for various garages in the Woodsville area. After graduating he went to work at several dealerships in the southern part of the state, most memorable was Colonial Motors in Nashua, NH where he met his dear friend Peter French. After Colonial Motors, Peter brought Brian to work for his family at Meredith Motors in Meredith, NH where Brian was the Service Manager for many years. Brian used his skills and moved on to sales at Grappone Ford in Concord. He then accelerated his career to the sales of heavy trucks for Grappone Ford. Brian loved his profession and all that went with it, his co-workers, his clients, and all the people he met. On the side, Brian also worked for many years catering for Hart’s Turkey Farm in Meredith, NH. His favorite catering function was working the NASCAR events at New Hampshire International Speedway.

Brian retired from the Automotive Industry after working for a total of 28 years for the Meredith Ford dealership. After a few years of retirement, Brian was not content being idle, and therefore went to work part-time for Napa Auto Parts in Meredith.

Brian enjoyed life and loved people, especially his family. Brian and Donna planted roots in Meredith, NH where they raised their two children and enjoyed the company of four grandchildren. Brian and Donna enjoyed taking Caribbean Cruises during the winter months to enjoy the warmth and sunshine and visiting different tropical islands. In the summer months, they enjoyed spending time with family and friends by the pool.

Brian leaves his wife of 52 years, Donna (Page) Kennedy, his daughter Krystal Kennedy of Plymouth, NH and his son, Sean Kennedy of Meredith, NH. His pride and joy were those who called him Grampa: Jacklyn Francis, Faith Francis, Stella Kennedy, and Penelope Kennedy. He also leaves his siblings, Brenda (Kennedy) White of Woodsville, NH, Bradley Kennedy of Bath, NH, Carol Sarette of Sanbornton, NH and Dawn Lavoie of Haverhill, NH, along with many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation and gratitude to the staff at Lakes Region Visiting Nurses Association, Meredith, NH, Speare Memorial Hospital, Plymouth, NH, Goldenview Health Care Center, Meredith, NH, and Concord Hospital, Laconia, NH. Thank you for taking such good care of Brian.

There will be a spring burial at the New Hampshire Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen, NH, and a celebration of life (we all know Brian loved a good party) in late May. We will let you know- he’d love for you to be there.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lakes Region Visiting Nurses Association and St. Judes Children’s Hospital.