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David Kennedy Obituary

Musician and retired project manager, David J. Kennedy passed away peacefully in his home on Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2021 in Berlin Ct. His battle with cancer showed his courage in facing life challenges with a sense of humor. He was born to the late Ellen Louisa (Larson) Kennedy and Kenneth James Kennedy in Waterbury, Ct. on January 16th, 1942. David attended Mary Abbott Grammar School & Crosby High School in Waterbury, graduated from the University of Hartford with a BSEE and during his career earned a Professional Certification (PMP) from Project Management International. David served in the United States Army Reserves as a musician in the Army Band. David is survived by the love of his life for 55 Years Judith Ann (Bieszad) Kennedy and his pride & joy son Mitchell (daughter in law Dina), a brother Allan (pre-deceased wife Jill), nephew Patrick, niece Megan (wife Melissa), a brother-in-law Michael (wife Margaret), a brother in law Thomas (wife Linda), nephew Andrew (wife Jessica), niece Kristen (husband Gabriel) and several cousins. Second to his family, David's love was music and playing the trumpet. This began at Mary Abbot school in the fourth grade and continued throughout his life. He played trumpet, flugelhorn and piccolo trumpet in Big Bands, Polka Bands, Jazz Combos and Concert Bands for 50+ years. He also volunteered for Bugles Across America to play taps at veteran's services. David loved traveling with his wife and model railroading with his son. His quick wit and ready jokes brought a smile to all and his trumpet playing left music flowing in the air. A celebration of David's life will be held in the spring of 2022. Memorial donations may be made to: New Orleans Musicians' Clinic and Assistance Foundation

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Hartford Courant on Sep. 19, 2021.

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George Rowe

September 21, 2021

My sincerest condolences to Judith and all of Dave's family. He was a great guy and an outstanding musician. I am forever grateful to have known him and to have played with him in various bands. We shall all miss him. I guess Gabriel needed a good back-up trumpet player.

Gary McMahon

September 20, 2021

I played with David in the Dick Santi Orchestra, and I told him I remembered him in earlier years when we worked at the Aetna facility in Windsor. He was always a gentleman and had a fine sense of humor.

Ellen Iovino

September 19, 2021

I am grateful to have had the chance to meet and perform with Dave in 2018 in the ECHO big band. He was such a nice guy, and a great trumpet player. My sincere condolences to his family and to his many, many friends.

Mark Rosen

September 19, 2021

David was my very best friend at Mary Abbot grammar school. I was always welcome in his home on Myrna Ave. We went to Crosby and played in the band together. Ken drove us to Crosby every morning. Dave just "friended " me several months ago. So sorry to hear of his passing.

Tony Batory

September 19, 2021

Whenever I hear Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, I´ll think of Dave

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