Robert Emmet Kennedy Jr.

1941 - 2026

Robert Emmet Kennedy, Jr.

December 19, 1941 - January 24, 2026

Robert Emmet Kennedy Jr., 84, passed away on Saturday, January 24, 2026, following visits with his loved ones that were marked with grace and beauty. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Jean Kennedy; his siblings, Fr. Chris Kennedy and Sophie Bristow; and by his son, Peter Kennedy.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Jane Kennedy; and his children, Mara Pufko (George), Gaelle Frazer, Daniel Kennedy (Naomi), Br. Maximus Rob Kennedy; grandchildren, Chris, Jason, Kate, Natalia, Alison, and Adrian; and brothers, Pat Kennedy, Fr. Malcolm Kennedy, and Paul Kennedy.

Emmet was a graduate of Johns Hopkins University (BA, 1963), Boston College (MA, 1965), and Brandeis University (Ph.D., 1973). He taught history at George Washington University for 38 years, as well as publishing several books on topics in French history. A respected historian in his field, Emmet continued to research and write in his retirement.

Emmet and Jane spent their early married years in Toulouse, France. Upon returning to the United States, they settled in Alexandria, Va. to raise their children and eventually moved south to Luray and Charlottesville to enjoy the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Throughout his life, Emmet was a dedicated Roman Catholic and a parishioner in several Catholic churches. Emmet will be remembered as a man of unwavering faith and determination throughout his life.

A visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. at Hill & Wood Funeral Services at 201 N. 1st Street in Charlottesville, Va. on Sunday, February 1, 2026. The funeral Mass will be held at St. Thomas Aquinas Church at 401 Alderman Road in Charlottesville, Va. at 10 a.m. on Monday, February 2, 2026. Weather permitting, interment will follow at St. Peter's Catholic Church at 12762 Lee Highway in Washington, Va. at 2:30 p.m. on February 2, 2026.

The family would like to thank everyone at the Martha Jefferson House for the compassionate and dignified care they gave Emmet.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Parkinson's Foundation.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.hillandwood.com.