KENNEDY, CAPTAIN WALTER JULIUS , USN (ret.) 82, passed away peacefully at Florida Hospital Orlando on April 5, 2012 surrounded by his family. He was born in Brooklyn, NY on Feb. 24, 1930 to Julia and Walter Kennedy. Walter attended Brooklyn Technical Institute High School and went on to attend the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, from which he graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Electrical Engineering. Walter served 29 years in the US Navy. During that time he also attended the US Naval Postgraduate School and earned his Master of Science in Management. He fought in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He served as Captain of the destroyer the USS Herbert J. Thomas. He was awarded four Bronze stars for service as well as numerous medals. After retiring from the Navy, Walter taught math at the middle school level in Palatka, FL, in Deland, FL and in Maitland as a substitute teacher. He was beloved by all the children he taught. Walter was a Vestry Member and Senior Warden at St. Anne's Episcopal Church in Keystone Heights, FL. He was a Lay Eucharistic Minister at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Deland. And lastly Walter was a member of St. Michael's Episcopal Church in Orlando. He was an Alumni Member of both the Brooklyn Technical Institute and the United States Merchant Marine Academy. He was a founding member of the Central Florida Bearded Collie Club in 1978 and served as its Treasurer from 1978 until 2010. Walter also was a member of the Military Officers Association of America. Walter married his wife, Jean on May 23, 1953 and they have had 58 wonderful years together. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He cherished his family. His wife, Jean, as well as his three children, Kathy Cox of Winter Park and her husband Chazz, Walter Kennedy of St. Augustine and his wife Sara, and Karen Norvell of Ormond Beach and her husband Wik survive Walter. He is also survived by nine grandchildren: Trace, Taylor, Travis, Tanner and Trenton Norvell; Katherine, Walter and David Kennedy; and Courtney Cox. He was well loved and will be greatly missed. A memorial service will be held on Monday, April 16 at 11 AM at St. Michael's Episcopal Church on 2499 North Westmoreland Dr., Orlando, FL 32804. In lieu of flowers, Walter requested that memorials in his memory be sent to the +Vietnam Veterans of America, 8719 Colesville Rd., Silver Spring, MD 20910 PH #800-882-1316 or
301-585-4000 Baldwin Fairchild will be handling all arrangements.
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My husband and I were neighbors of Walt and Jean while they lived in DeLand. They were always warm and welcoming. We missed them when they moved to be near their daughter. Our thoughts are with you.
Kim Norman
April 16, 2012
I just happened to see the Kennedy obituary in the Orlando Sentinal. I served with Capt. Kennedy in 1953 aboard the USS Willard Keith. He was an Ensign fresh out of the Academy and I a white hat just out of Sonar School. Ensign Kennedy was an outstanding officer and was well liked among the crew and one of my favorite officers. I am sorry to hear of his passing. Condolences to his family. They should be very proud of him.
Frank Gardner
April 13, 2012
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