Kennedy

Richard R. Kennedy, 83, of Daytona Beach, Fla., passed away peacefully on Christmas morning, Monday, Dec. 25, 2023, at home with his wife by his side after a two year “don’t know how to quit” courageous effort to maximize where he was at on life’s journey.

Richard was born Aug. 22, 1940, in Los Angeles, Calif., to Edward Lyam Kennedy Sr. and Lydia Grace Lamia Kennedy.

Growing up in Pacific Palisades, he loved the beach and spent a lot of time at Santa Monica Pier when a goal became to someday be able to live by the beach.

He was a spiritual man of the Roman Catholic faith and graduated from St. Monica Catholic High School, Santa Monica, Calif. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from San Jose State University.

Richard was a Vietnam veteran, having served in the Navy on the aircraft carrier USS Shangri-La.

His career included opportunities of being a firefighter at Stanford, where he also worked with the nuclear reactor. He was later fire marshall for Santa Clara County, followed by working as an investigator with the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office for several years from which he retired.

He married Sue Anne Bickel on Sept. 26, 1992, in Harrisville, Pa. After his retirement they moved from Santa Clara, Calif., to Daytona Beach, Fla., fulfilling his dream to live on the beach. In Daytona, he participated with the Guardian Ad Litem Program of Volusia County, advocating for children. He also worked as a wine consultant resource for the wine warehouse in Port Orange.

Most important to Richard was his family. He would often say, “I am blessed to have three beautiful daughters, plus be surrounded by grandchildren and great-grandchildren who all love me so much.” He fondly became known as “The Legend” to his family. He also enjoyed good wine, good food (especially hamburgers), music, traveling, sports, computer games and movies. He was a very patriotic man.

Survivors include his wife, Sue; three daughters, Jeanne (Bryan) Benson of Alpine, Utah, Bridget (Tim) Romele of Denver, Colo., and Mary Kay Kennedy of South Jordan, Utah; a brother, Phillip Kennedy of Southern California; a sister, Lydia (Cleo) Duman of Cottonwood, Idaho; a half-brother, John (Shirley) Dahl of Hauser, Idaho; brother-in-law, Jack (Lori) Bickel of Butler, Pa.; 14 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; his two godsons; as well as several cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and friends. All were dear to his heart and were a reason for the many times he would travel to see all and attend celebrations and reunions. Richard was the life of the party.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Mary Lou Halloran Lottz; his brother, Edward Kennedy Jr.; and grandson, Bryan Benson Jr.

The family wishes to give special thanks to all who assisted with caring for Richard at home including the home care team (especially Melissa, Tracy, Trish and Shonda) and our native Pittsburgh family nurse-friend “Claudia,” who has been at our side as needed since Richard came home in May.

KENNEDY — Visitation for Richard R. Kennedy, who died Monday, Dec. 25, 2023, will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday and 10 to 11 a.m. Monday at CUNNINGHAM FUNERAL HOME, 306 Bessemer Ave., Grove City. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home, officiated by the Rev. Dr. John McElwain and the Very Rev. David Foradori.

Burial will be at Prairie Cemetery, with military honors.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Online condolences may be offered at cunninghamfhgc.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.