Dr. Thomas A. Kennedy Jr.
Dr. Thomas A. Kennedy Jr., 54, died Friday, June 15, 2007, at Eaglewood Village, Sprin-gfield, Ohio, after a lengthy battle with brain tumors.
He was born June 11, 1953, in Elyria, Ohio, and grew up in Sarver.
He received his bachelor's degree in music education from Indiana University, his master's degree in flute performance from Penn State and his doctorate in musical arts in instrumental conducting from the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Fla.
Tom began his music career as a teacher in public school music in Evansville, Ind., as a band and orchestra director.
He became the director of bands at Cameron University in Lawton, Okla. He then moved to Monsignor Pace High School in Opa Locka, Fla. From there, he became assistant professor of music at Palm Beach Atlantic College in West Palm Beach, Fla.
Tom was an associate professor of music, director of band and orchestra at Wittenberg University from 1991 until the time of his disability retirement in 2005.
In addition to his service at Wittenberg, Tom was the conductor of the Springfield Youth Symphony, assistant conductor of the Springfield Symphony, the conductor of the Miami Valley Symphony Orchestra and flutist in TOFT, an eclectic trio.
Tom was an arranger and editor for Kalmus Music and many other publishing houses. He was internationally known for his musical publications and appeared as guest conductor throughout the country.
He was predeceased by his parents, Gloria (Kaufman) and Thomas A. Kennedy Sr.
He is survived by his sister, Zoe A. Scott and her husband, Robert, of Chicora; and special friends and caregivers, Joyce Wendel and her husband, Larry Smith.
<B>KENNEDY</B> — A memorial service for Dr. Thomas A. Kennedy Jr., who died Friday, June 15, 2007, is planned for the fall at Wittenberg University.The <B>LITTLETON & RUE FUNERAL HOME</B>, Springfield, Ohio, is serving the family.In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Springfield Youth Symphony, Miami Valley Symphony Orchestra, the American Brain Tumor Association, or a charity of one's choice.You may express condolences to the family at www.littletonandrue.com.
