Nov 03, 1965---Jan 07, 2022

Joe Kennedy could only be described as “Larger than Life”.     His personality was like a magnet, and it drew people to him wherever he went.  He could always find, or make up a reason to get people together, whether it was a backyard happy hour, his amazing shrimp boils or BBQ, a monthly bourbon tasting, his infamous St. Patrick’s Day party or the “I have an open bottle of wine to finish – come on over” people would drop everything to spend time with him.  His family and friends knew that if you needed anything, he would be there with no questions asked.  

The biggest love in Joe’s life was his family.  He married is best friend, Janice, on May 28, 1994.  He jokes that prior to her he was on his way to the priesthood.  Anyone who knows them knows it is her who has already earned her sainthood for being Joe’s wife.  Joe always told Janice that he would rather spend time doing nothing with her than spend time doing the most amazing thing with someone else. 

Being a father to his sons, Sam, and Thomas, was his grandest achievement.  His boys brought him such joy and pride.  Everything he did was to ensure that their life was bigger and better than his own.  He lived to see them succeed in whatever they pursued and was always their biggest cheerleader.  

Joe was proceeded in death by his mother, Ila Gale (Donley) Kennedy and his nephew, Daniel Joseph Weaver.  Joe is survived by his wife of 27 years, Janice Kennedy, two children, Samuel Kennedy and Thomas Kennedy, father Patrick Kennedy, siblings Kathryn Weaver, Maureen (Mike) Antonellis, Colleen (Milton) Velez, Kevin (Nelly) Kennedy and numerous nieces and nephews.  The Rosary will be prayed at 4 p.m. with the Visitation from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, January 11, at Church of the Ascension, 9510 W. 127th St. Overland Park, KS. The Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, January 12, at Church of the Ascension. Burial to follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa, KS

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Advice & Aid Pregnancy Centers, 

P O Box 7123, Shawnee Mission, KS 66207-0123.

 

 

    



Condolences

Greg West Jan 08, 2022

Friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

What a good friend You have always been And I’ll never forget Here’s a little Irish blessing for you my friend: “May joy and peace surround you, Contentment latch your door, And happiness be with you now, And bless you evermore."

Alisse Agin Jan 09, 2022

Friend ,Kansas City ,Missouri

Joe, you were such an incredible friend. You knew how to make people laugh until it hurt, eat delicious food until they had to be wheeled out of the home, one hell of a father & husband. It Is an honor that My husband (Scott Ruthig) & I got to have you in our lives & an even bigger honor to call you our friend. You will be deeply missed! Rest In Peace, love always Scott Ruthig & Alisse Agin

Janet Kang Jan 09, 2022

Neighbor ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Dear Joe, I believe you are on the way of going to heaven now. When you get to the heaven, please have an eternal life without pain and full of pleasure… and… please watch and protect your wife and two sons…!! You will be missed forever by everyone else including your neighbors and me. Sincerely, Janet Kang

Randy Baldwin Jan 09, 2022

School mate ,Salina ,Kansas

Sorry for your loss...Joe n I were HS buddies.

Bradley Jan 09, 2022

I got to meet you under sad circumstances Joe…and now more sadness to learn of your departing this orb…...spent very litle time with you, but what an excellent time it was visiting and funning with you …RIP….. Buen viaje……. My condolences to your family and friends….you are loved by many ….

Scott Potter Jan 09, 2022

Former work associate ,Houston ,Texas

Please accept my condolences. While it has been years since Joe and I talked, I still remember the many good times I had working with him. He was a very special person.

Bob and Debbie Allison Jan 09, 2022

friend ,Lenexa ,Kansas

I'm so sorry for your loss. It's been many years since we shared the same street on Mastin, but I remember you all so fondly. I know Bob kept in touch with Joe through the Knights. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. P.S. I told both our boys of Joe's passing, and they both remembered your family after all these years and were sad to hear this.

Patti and Bret Hochanadel and Dylan, Mason, and Madison Jan 09, 2022

Friends ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Janice, Sam, and Thomas, You all have been in our thoughts and prayers these last days. We are so sorry for the loss of Joe. He truly was larger than life! We will always remember him coaching along with Bret all our boys! He always believed in each of them! I know his spirit and strength will always be with all he touched. The Hochanadels

Brad Larson Jan 09, 2022

Friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

I remember when I first moved to Johnson County back in 2005 and joined KofC at Ascension, Joe was the first person I met. He made me feel so welcome and he seemed so genuinely excited to have me there. He was always such a nice, friendly guy and a pleasure to chat with. I am so sorry for your loss.

Janet Everett Jan 09, 2022

Friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

I use to pass by the window and see Joe outside and I would say, Annabelle Joe is outside and she would yell Joe is outside I want to say hi! Then she would run outside and yell from the deck “Hi Joe” and Joe always answered “”Hi sweetheart” There is going to be a huge void in our life and backyard. Thanks for the memories.

Dan, Amy Jo, Alex and Jack McKean Jan 09, 2022

Friend ,OTTAWA ,Kansas

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Bigger than life and such a great coach to my son Jack. I remember the days like it was yesterday yet now our boys are close to 25. I know Dan and I are better people for knowing you Joe. Janice my heart breaks for you and prayers are with you all.

Misty Jan 09, 2022

Friend ,Raymore ,Missouri

I’ve cleaned for the Kennedy’s for about 20 yrs now. The first 10 yrs they were busy raising kids and doing life. The last 10 yrs a little more laid back since they’ve had the school. I got to spend a lot of time with Joe while cleaning every other Thursday. The first words out of his mouth was to ask me how I’m doing. Next would be asking about my kids and Ray (husband) We talked about everything God, vacations, dogs, life and family. Anytime he talked about Janice, Sam or Thomas his tone would change, his face was bright and his heart was full. He absolutely loved his family. I can’t describe how empty my heart is. I will miss talking to my friend. I will miss the way he treated me (a cleaning lady) like he would treat his best friend. I will truly miss him and look forward to the day I see him again in heaven. ♥️

Lauren Keith Jan 09, 2022

Friend of my dads ,Shawnee, KS ,Kansas

Thank you for being such an amazing friend to my dad. Although I never knew you personally, knowing the friendship you had with him, made my heart happy. Praying for peace and rest for you in heaven.

Crystal & Travis Morris Jan 10, 2022

our kids went to Goddard ,Olathe ,Kansas

We are so sorry to hear of your loss! Your family is in our thoughts and prayers!

Don & Sheila Albon Jan 10, 2022

Former work associate ,Scottsdale ,Arizona

Janice, We were so saddened to hear you lost Joe. You have our condolences and you and the boys are in our prayers. Though it has been many years, memories of Joe still bring me a smile. We were lucky to have known him. Don & Sheila Albon

Elmer Dinkel Jan 10, 2022

Brother Knight ,Overland Park ,Kansas

I first met Joe when he became Grand Knight with the Ascension Knights of Columbus. The comments that I have read from others is exactly as he was as the leader of our council. I remember that he really enjoyed playing in our golf league and he was always complementary to whomever he was playing with and also the other players. By his nature he was always encouraging others to join in and take part in what the council offered. I am sad to say that I was completely shocked to hear of Joe's passing. He will be missed in so many ways but heaven now has him as a reward to cherish.

Tracy & Curt Schwartzkopf Jan 10, 2022

old coworker/friend ,omaha ,Nebraska

Janice and family. so sorry to hear about Joe.. I haven't seen him years but always enjoyed his laughter when we worked at Aquila. He was always a fun guy and you 2 made a great couple. Prayers and Hugs to you and the boys.

Lee Scott Jan 10, 2022

Colleague ,Pinehurst ,North Carolina

My heart goes out to Janice and the boys. I loved seeing them both at Goddard events and laughed every time we met especially at the use of my call sign he remembered. He was as others described full of life and loved what he did. Blessing to the family. Lee

Heath & Amy Cole Jan 10, 2022

Friend ,Olathe ,Kansas

What a fierce friend, life just won’t be the same without him! A magnanimous loss for his church, family and friends. But what a victory for Gods kingdom. Pretty sure Joe will be working with Saint Michael. Love ya big guy🙏♥️🙏🇺🇸 In His love and in Her care, Heath and Amy Cole

Valerie Gramlich Jan 10, 2022

Friend ,Kansas City ,Missouri

Joe was such a very special human, loving life and loving those he came in contact with. His kind heart, quick wit, cheerful attitude was shared freely with all of us that were blessed to have met him. My prayers are with you Janice, Thomas and Joseph. He loved you all deeply and was so very proud of his family. My deepest condolences and prayers for your continued peace in his and your memories. Much love, Valerie

Jay, Sandi and Chris Burgess Jan 10, 2022

Friends ,Overland park ,Kansas

Janice, we just learned of Joe's passing tonight. We are so sorry and saddened by this news. Please know you, Sam and Thomas will be in our prayers.

Barbara Burrows Jan 11, 2022

Friend ,Edwardsville ,Illinois

The Goddard School of Edwardsville and Springfield, Illinois has you and your family in our thoughts. I will pray the rosary for you all today.

manpreet kaur Jan 11, 2022

Goddard franchisee ,Suwanee ,Georgia

Dear Janice and family Sorry to hear about your loss! Words are never enough to condole for the loved ones left behind. Hope you get the courage and peace to go through this tough time. Hugs to heal your heart! Regards, Manpreet

Butch Aggen Jan 11, 2022

Friend ,Cedar Park ,Texas

Janice, Sorry to see this news of Joe's passing. He was a wonderful guy. You and family are in my thoughts during this difficult time. ~ Butch

Kim and Chris Kick Jan 11, 2022

We are so very sorry to hear about Joe's passing. He was such a spirited and happy guy and we enjoyed getting to know him at many conventions. Our thoughts are with you all! -Kim and Chris Kick

Zaida Erazo Jan 11, 2022

employee ,olathe ,Kansas

Janice, I am so extremely sorry for your loss. I never got the blessing to meet Joe but from what I’ve been told he was a wonderful man. It breaks my heart deeply that you are going through something like this. Reading Joes obituary where he says he preferred to do nothing with you than something amazing with someone else put a big smile on my face, the love you two share seems so beautiful & I know it will continue to be that way as he transitions to your very special guardian angel. I pray that God wraps his arms around you & your family and gets you through this hard time. I haven’t had the chance to know you very long but please know if ever you need anything I am here for you in any way I can be even if it’s just a listening ear. All the teachers feel so deeply for you and hold you all so dear in our hearts, please know that you are not alone. God bless you & your family. May Joe rest in paradise ❤️.

Bit Clark Jan 11, 2022

Friend ,Olathe ,Kansas

Dear Janice and family, We are so sad to hear of Joe’s passing. He was a friend to all and yes, he was larger than life. May his wonderful memories that he has made with you over the years comfort you in your difficult times. (I am under the weather and unable to attend the visitation or Joe’s funeral.) Our wish for you is peace and we send prayers to you all. God bless, Bit and Keith Clark

Cathleen Roberson Jan 11, 2022

Friends from Aquila days ,Mountain Home ,Arkansas

We loved Joe and his always smiling face. I will tell Landy and please know we are sending such big hugs. Such a fun guy and we loved being with y’all in Omaha! Janice we send our love to you and the boys!

Russ and Gina Weaver Jan 12, 2022

friend ,Salina ,Kansas

Janice, Sam and Thomas.., So sorry to have heard the passing of Joey. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Steve C Nelson Jan 12, 2022

Former Co worker and friend ,Bonner Springs ,Kansas

I was so sorry to hear of Joe's passing. I worked with Joe for many years at Aquila. The world will greatly miss him.

Aaron Merrick Jan 13, 2022

Janice, Sam and Thomas, We are so sorry for your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers during this most difficult of times. Joe was so much fun go be around and lit up every room he ever walked into. With love and sympathy, Aaron, Shannen, Caden, Cohen and Cami Merrick

John & Jack Solomon Jan 14, 2022

Friend ,Riverside ,Missouri

Janice, Sam & Thomas-please know that you are in our prayers. Joe was one of the most caring people I have had the honor of knowing. Having moved from Ascension over 5 years ago, I realize how much I miss my CHRP brothers, KofC members and even my old Ushering ministry. I will remember Joe as someone always willing to step up & help in any way he could. He was a great mentor to my son during his time at Ascension, and always had a positive, "can do" attitude. I've lit a candle at St Therese, and your family will continue to be in our prayers.

Services

Event:
Rosary
Location:
Church of the Ascension
Address:
9510 West 127th Street
City:
Overland Park
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66213
Date:
Jan 11, 2022
Time:
4:00 PM
Google Map:
Event:
Visitation
Location:
Church of the Ascension
Address:
9510 West 127th Street
City:
Overland Park
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66213
Date:
Jan 11, 2022
Time:
4:00 PM
Google Map:
Event:
Funeral Mass
Location:
Church of the Ascension
Address:
9510 West 127th Street
City:
Overland Park
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66213
Date:
Jan 12, 2022
Time:
10:00 AM
Google Map: