He is survived by his wife, Genny Kennedy, and two daughters, Laura Kennedy Griffin and Courtney Kennedy, his son- inlaw, Gabriel Griffin, and his grandson, Eli Griffin, all of Biloxi. He is also survived by his siblings: Doyle Kennedy of Erie, PA; Regis Coffin of Freeport, ME; Veda Kennedy-Smith of CO; Ruby Spencer of Hot Springs, AR; Lucinda Kennedy of Auburn, ME; and Lonnie Kennedy of Wiscasset, ME.
He was preceded in death by parents Leonard and Verna Kennedy of Freeport, ME.
Born on April 16, 1951, in New Brunswick, Canada, Joe grew up in Freeport, ME from the age of 4. Joe graduated from Freeport High School where he was a member of the basketball, golf, and cross country teams. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1971 as a SeaBee, serving until 1981 when he was honorably discharged. Joe, or “AJ” as he was known to his coworkers, was employed by UPS from 1980 until the time of his death. He enjoyed the outdoors and hunting and fishing, but especially playing golf. Joe moved to Biloxi with his wife Genny in 1984 to start their family. Genny, his daughters Laura and Courtney, and grandson Eli were the most important things in his life. Joe made sure to make the time to attend any and all of the activities the girls participated in when they were growing up. With the introduction of Eli into his life, “Papa Joe” took on the role of grandfather fondly. Joe will be missed by everyone who was blessed to know his generosity, sense of humor and smile.
Visitation will be held Thursday, January 12, 2012, from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., with a memorial service to follow at Bradford- O’Keefe Funeral Home, 2511 Pass Road, in Biloxi. Interment with military honors will be 1:30 p.m. Friday, January 13, 2012 at Biloxi National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Memorial Hospital Foundation ICU Fund, P.O. Box 940, Gulfport, MS 39502 or to the Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, Care of Kristie Naines, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com.
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