Final Salute

KENNEDY ROBERT A., SR. Of Moorestown, New Jersey, and Kiawah Island, South Carolina, passed away on February 23, 2022, at the age of 88. Born in Northeast Philadelphia in 1933 to Edward J. and Mary Kennedy, Bob moved with his family to Runnemede when he was a teenager and graduated from Audubon High School in 1951. He attended Rutgers and Drexel Universities and joined the U.S. Naval Construction Battalions (the Seabees) in 1952, where he honed his innate construction, carpentry, and electrical skills. If “Go big, or go home” applied to anyone, it applied to Bob—big houses, big family, and a big heart. Marrying in 1953, he and Madeline had 10 children, and so Bob’s renovation expertise and business acumen were put to good use. When a house could not sustain another addition, he built a larger one. No matter the size of the house, the door was always open, everyone was welcome, and Christmas Eve open houses were legendary. Bob launched his own business, Kennedy Culvert & Supply Company, in 1973, in his basement with a single landline phone and one small rolodex of contacts. The business grew into The Kennedy Companies, now headquartered in Mt. Laurel with nine offices in five states. While Bob took pride in the success of his efforts, he savored most how that success could bring enjoyment to himself and others. Predeceased by Madeline, his first wife of 33 years, Bob married Bette Munns in 1988. Together they shared a passion for world-wide travel as well as entertaining and cooking for their family and friends. Bob relished great food, good wine, and making others laugh—especially his 18 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. He loved the seashore—whether it was Sea Isle City, NJ in the early days or Kiawah Island, SC in his later years. His passion for golf was evident in the many years spent on the courses in Kiawah, but it was rooted in his love for County Clare, Ireland, home to Doonbeg Golf Links, where Bob and Bette could be seen holding court for many a summer. When not in the pubs, Bob could be seen on the course, sometimes deep in the fescue hills completely confounded that his golf ball could find its way there. But more importantly, it was the love of so many wonderful friends in Kiawah and Doonbeg that made Bob’s life rich. A man of faith, Bob was quietly concerned about others beyond his immediate circle. He was instrumental in establishing The St. Joseph’s Carpenter Society and in the purchase of the Discovery House of the Camden Diocese. Many individuals benefited from his kindness and generosity. He took pride in being an Eagle Scout and having membership in the Ancient Order of Hibernians, but he beamed brightest at the accomplishments of his grandchildren. He had a high tolerance for corny jokes, a great affection for sentimental music, and an extraordinary embrace of life itself. He exuded confidence and tried to extend it to others, expressed often with the simple phrase, “Go ahead—try it!” In addition to his parents and his first wife Madeline, Bob is predeceased by a son Stephen and brothers Bud, Fran, and Jack. He is survived by his wife Bette Kennedy; and his children Patricia Bicknell (Tom), Robert A. Kennedy, Jr. (Eileen), Donna Maccherone (Fred), Mary Kate Kennedy, John F. Kennedy, Michael P. Kennedy (Karen), Maureen Kennedy-McDonnell (Chris), Coleen Kennedy-Tamplin (Kevin), and Barbara Kennedy; as well as 18 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. A viewing will take place on Sunday, February 27 from 7:30 P.M. to 10 P.M. at St. Rose of Lima Church, 300 E. Kings Hwy, Haddon Heights, NJ, 08035. An additional Viewing will be held on Monday, February 28 from 10 A.M. to 11 A.M. also in the Church, followed by Mass of the Christian Burial. Interment will be private. Masks are encouraged. The service will be live- streamed. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Joseph Fund of Camden www.josephfundcamden.org. Please visit schetterfh.com
Published by The Philadelphia Inquirer from Feb. 26 to Feb. 27, 2022.