David R. Kennedy

1950 - 2024

David R. Kennedy
David R. Kennedy, 74, passed away on November 14, 2024, surrounded by his loving family and wrapped in the warmth of those who cherished him throughout his remarkable life. A man whose story was written in acts of kindness and service to others, Dave lived by the words of St. Francis: "For it is in giving that we receive." Dave shared 33 wonderful years in Stratford with his beloved wife of 41 years, Donna Austin Kennedy, before moving to Milford in 2017. Together he and Donna built a family they were proud of, which included Stephen (and wife Lexi) of Fairfield, Sean (and wife Amanda) of Stratford, and Collin (and wife Janelle) of Milford, as well as three treasured grandchildren: Quinn Marie, James Raymond, and Addison Rose. Born in Waterbury, CT on August 24, 1950, to Raymond and Catherine (Knight) Kennedy, Dave grew up in Watertown, CT. He graduated from St. Mary Seminary and University, and later received an M.A. from Catholic University of America and a Sixth Year degree in Education and Administration from Fordham University. He leaves behind his sisters Elizabeth Sharman (Charles) of Oxford, CT and Kathleen Kennedy (Paula Maionchi) of Richmond, KY and was blessed with a large, loving extended family including his cherished in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, and their growing families, who all brought him great joy. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother Kevin Kennedy and sister Ann Kennedy. Dave's life was a testament to the power of compassion and community service. After briefly serving in the ministry, David began a long and dedicated career in the not-for-profit sector, serving as the Director of Human Services for the Town of Westport, where he took great pride in joining community and religious leaders in establishing the Interfaith Housing Association – which would later become Homes with Hope. In 1989 he began a 33-year career with the United Way, serving as President & CEO of United Way of Norwalk and Wilton, Chief Operating & Development Officer of United Way of Coastal Fairfield County, and part-time Interim President & CEO of Valley United Way until his full retirement in 2023. His gentle spirit and unwavering belief that every person deserves respect and opportunity led him to spend much of his free time serving on countless community boards and committees, including the Stratford Board of Education, the Stratford Economic Development Committee, the Stratford Charter Revision Committee and as an interim Town Council Member. He was also active with the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education (CABE) and was a member of the CT Closing the Achievement Gap Task Force. Known as a "master networker," Dave built bridges across communities and championed those who needed a voice. In retirement, and at the time of his passing, he was serving as an officer of the Sterling Community Center Board of Trustees, and as a member of the Strategic Planning Committee for the Beth-El Center of Milford, the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness, the Saint Cecilia's Far Flung Flock, the Knights of Columbus, as well as All in For Milford, an alliance of neighbors, community leaders, and local organizations striving to make Milford a city where everyone has a place to live, food to eat, and a voice to be heard. Dave found his greatest joy in family. At home, he could often be spotted at the grill, beer in hand, soaking in the sunset views over the Housatonic River. He was a man who savored life's simple pleasures – losing himself in a good book, diving deep into every page of the Sunday New York Times, and exploring the world around him. Whether it was discovering hidden local gems, traveling along the coast, wandering through Ireland and Italy, checking out a new brewery, or simply strolling through the aisles of Costco, Dave approached life with curiosity, joy, and an unwavering belief in others and their capacity for good. Friends are invited to call on Friday, November 22nd, from 4-7 p.m. at the Adzima Funeral Home, 50 Paradise Green Place, Stratford. A Mass celebrating Dave's life will be held at St. Mark Church, 500 Wigwam Lane, on Saturday, November 23rd at 1:00 p.m. Online condolences may be shared at www.adzimafuneralhome.com In lieu of flowers, and to honor Dave's lifelong commitment to community service, donations can be made to Sterling Community Center (www.sterlingcommunitycenter.org/donate) or the Beth-El Center (www.bethelmilford.org).