Robert James "Bob" Kennedy Sr.

Robert James "Bob" Kennedy Sr., of Manchester, passed away peacefully May 1, 2018, surrounded by his loving family at the age of 79 after a brief illness. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Mary Louise (Nichols) Kennedy.

Bob is also survived by his children, Barbara Elliott and her husband, Bernie, of Franklin, Massachusetts, Margaret "Peggy" McSweeney and her husband, Edward, of Sharon, Massachusetts, Robert Kennedy Jr. and his wife, Eileen, of West Hartford, Kevin Kennedy and his wife, Cathy, of Leominster, Massachusetts, and Timothy Kennedy and his wife, Carrie, of Park Ridge, New Jersey. Additionally, he is survived by his loving grandchildren, Kyle Elliott and his fiancé, Kelsey Conklin, of North Attleboro, Massachusetts, Ryan and Shane Elliott of Franklin, Massachusetts, Kailey and Colleen Kennedy of West Hartford, Caylin Kennedy of Leominster, and Sophie and Griffin Kennedy of Park Ridge; as well as his large extended family and friends.

Born Jan. 20, 1939, in Boston, to Vincent and Barbara (Flaherty) Kennedy and raised in South Boston, he was always proud of his "Southie" heritage. Even after relocating his young family to Connecticut for work he would make an annual pilgrimage to Southie to celebrate the Saint Patrick's Day parade. He was from a family of five boys and leaves a brother, Vincent Kennedy of Quincy, Massachusetts. He is predeceased by his brothers, Thomas, Edward, and Andrew Kennedy.

Bob was a graduate of Boston College High School and the University of Hartford. He was passionate about education and proudly earned his degree by attending night school while working and raising a young family. Early in his career, Bob worked for Westinghouse in roles in sales and sales operations management. With two young children at home and another on the way, Bob accepted a job transfer and moved his family from Norwood, Massachusetts to Manchester. Later in his career he ran the Key of New England buying group where he enjoyed several memorable trips with his wife and colleagues. Bob was a member of the Army National Guard reserves while working at Westinghouse and was honorably discharged in 1967.

He was an avid Boston fan of the Red Sox, Bruins, and Celtics. Having been a season ticket holder of the Boston Patriots he switched alliance and garnished his support to the New York Giants upon moving to Connecticut. Throughout the years his love for the Giants created years of family rivalry, including special memories with his grandsons, who are avid Patriots fans.

Bob was very active in the community. He was a member of the Elks, Knights of Columbus, and Irish American Home in Glastonbury where he was honored as Man of the Year and proudly organized the annual golf tournament. He had a strong Catholic faith and was very active in Saint Bridget Parish in Manchester and was one of the first ordained Eucharist ministers, a member of the Social Club, and active in Saint Bridget School. A family man, he was actively involved in all of his children's sport interests as a coach and a fan. He loved planning the annual family vacation when his children were growing up and spent several summers vacationing on the Cape.

Bob was a loving and caring grandfather, known to his grandchildren as "Papa." He enjoyed watching the grandchildren grow up and would participate in school projects and attend their activities. He had a lasting impact on their lives by sharing his love of sports including golf and his proud Irish heritage. He was a longtime season ticket holder of the Hartford Whalers.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, May 11, at 11 a.m. at Parish of Saint Teresa of Calcutta, formerly Saint Bridget Church, 80 Main St., Manchester.

Calling hours will be held at the Taylor & Modeen Funeral Home, 136 South Main St., West Hartford from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, May10.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, May 12 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Cemetery, 990 LaGrange St., West Roxbury, Massachusetts.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his honor to Saint Bridget School, 74 Main St., Manchester, CT 06042.

The family would like to thank Masonic Partners Hospice Organization and the wonderful staff at Saint Francis Hospital for their support and compassion.

For online condolences and directions, please visit

www.taylorandmodeen.com