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Patrick Kennedy Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Patrick Kennedy
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Julianna
May 19, 2024
You were a good man, Patrick. Your heart was beautiful. I look forward to meeting you in heaven.
Danielle
November 17, 2022
RIP.
All I've ever read about you... people say how kind you were.
You did so much for people and the community.
I'll pray for you and your family always.
Lisa Mohr
May 3, 2021
Every time I saw Pat on TV, I was just memorized by his smooth as butter voice and his intellect:)
I always wanted to know, as a mom of a 20 year old who is 6´7", where he got his pants? Lol, I know he would have answered my silly question with that big laugh and a great solid answer!
Think of Pat from time to time and would have loved to have a conversation with him about regular things, maybe stories of raising kids, or compare stories from a tall man to share with my kiddo ;)
My own Mom passed at 59, much too early, may you RIP Pat and much love to your whole family and legacy!!!
Bob Duthie
January 27, 2020
Pat was a classmate of mine in the Milwaukee Police Academy (March of 1980). Pat livened up the class with his charismatic personality and delightful sense of humor. Pat had a heart of gold! It`s been a number of years since Pat`s death but I will never forget him, heaven has gained a beautiful soul.
Police Chaplain, Bob Duthie
Gary Eckstein
April 15, 2019
gone now 6 years but not forgotten
Mike S
July 29, 2014
Pat you didn't know me nor did I know you but I've admired you and held you in awe after I've watched you comment on the most horrible crime scene in American history it blows me away that you were an eye witness to the events that played out at the oxford apts. in 1991 I know you are with Jesus right now and I know Jeff D. Would agree with me in saying "pat you sure have got a good head on your shoulders my friend!!!!!
Nichole
March 27, 2014
For one of the most compassionate, level-headed and courageous men I can name. Your light shone farther than you know.
Jen Harris
February 20, 2014
For my aunt Pat.
James Pitchford
February 19, 2014
I was just told of Pat's death today. Pat and I met at Marian College in Fond du Lac as freshman in 1972. In 1975 Pat was in my wedding party. Over the years we lost contact unfortunately but we reconnected and I followed his career with respect and appreciation. My condolences go out to Pat's family and friends. I read a number of interviews with Pat in print that were published not long before his unexpected death. The Pat that emerged in those interviews was the Pat I met and knew back in 1972. I will miss him too but I am confident that I will see him again and look forward to that eventual and inevitable reconnection. G-d bless you brother Pat. Semper Fidelis, "Pitch"
November 3, 2013
On All Souls Day rememberance mass at the Cathedral today: May God bless all the company of souls here, may God and Mary bless you. You too spent awhile here just as we are now and we too will join you soon. May we all be adorned in the beauty of the bright King of Heaven. "Irish Traditional Prayer"
Contagious Laugh
Patricia Kennedy
November 3, 2013
gerry Kraus
August 3, 2013
Heard of Pat's passing yesterday. My sympathy to his family and friends from an old SLS pal.
Briana Walls
July 9, 2013
I am truly devastated and sadden to learn about the loss of Pat Kennedy. He will truly be missed. I remember he used to always point me out because I sat in the front of class and I wore huge earrings. I did it so he would remember me because his classes were so huge, I needed someway to stand out. I know that Pat is in a better place looking down on us cracking jokes as usual. My prayers go out to the family. Stay strong and trust God, for He makes no mistakes.
Vanessa Medina
June 26, 2013
You were by far one of my favorite professors at UW-Milwaukee. I really enjoyed the way that you talked about your experiences in the criminal justice system coupled with the knowledge you gained through education. I cannot believe I am just learning of your passing today. I'll miss seeing you around UWM's campus as I finish up my degree. You were someone that opened up my eyes to how far kindness and understanding can go along with truth and fairness. May you rest in peace.
June 13, 2013
I just now finding out Big Pat!! Rip to my favorite professor at Marian College for 4yrs.. U help me a lot and I thank you for dat. I will miss you dearly. Weegee
Patricia Kennedy
May 18, 2013
Blessed be the God and Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us all with the gift of this earthly life and has given to our brother Patrick his span of years and gifts of character. God Our Father, we thank you now for his life, for every memory of love and joy every good deed done by him and every sorrow shared with us, Amen.
Robyn Maharaj
May 16, 2013
I did not know Pat well, but I know he certainly accomplished a lot in his life in terms of family, education, friends, work, play, community service, career, volunteerism, legacy, faith, and philanthropy which all seemed very dear and important to him. I am sure those that were lucky to have had him in their life are feeling a profound loss at his sudden departure. My heart goes out to everyone who was connected to Pat and hope that comfort can be found in memories of him. Peace and love to Patricia. Peace, Pat.
George Irizarry
May 1, 2013
My sincere condolences to the family of Patrick Kennedy, I was saddened to hear that Pat had died. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
I was fortunate to have had an opportunity to work with Pat at MPD for many years.
Pat was a very decent person and always made you laugh with his humor and tactful responses.
I'm glad I got the opportunity to speak to Pat several years back when he was watching his grand daughter in a track & field event at UWM. He seemed to be so happy then.
He will be greatly missed by everyone that knew him, may he rest in peace.
Blessed is the man
Grace Watson
April 30, 2013
Gone to soon. Pat,the giant man with the gentle soul. The Milwaukee Maven and Maverick. His short time with us touched so many lives in purposeful ways. My sister, Patty's best friend and friend to all. I was blessed to have known him. His legacy and generosity to the Milwaukee community will be continued by his students, by his family, by his friends, by his charity.
Remember forgiveness
Grace Watson
April 30, 2013
April 29, 2013
May the spirit of St. Francis live through Pat and all of us grads from our alma mater, St. Lawrence Seminary.
Tom Cieszkowski Class of 73
Annabelle Havlicek
April 26, 2013
I'm just now reading about Patrick Kennedy. I also met him via the Dahmer killings. I was working with Ron Geiman at InStep Magazine. I remember him to be kind, gentle and always had time for the family of the victims. He was a great guy. My deepest sympathies at this time of sorrow. Jeffrey Dahmer's dark crimes touched so many people in so many ways. Pat was a bright candle which drove out the darkness and lit the way back to sanity. I'm sure he was welcomed into heaven with open arms.
John Hardgrove
April 25, 2013
My sincere condolences to the Patrick Kennedy family on the loss of Pat. I had the pleasure of being his teammate at SLS and remember those days fondly. Pat had a great way of keeping guys relaxed on/off the field or court, but made them play better and was a valuable leader. He had a determined will and it was a pleasure and privilege to play with him. My thoughts and prayers go to his extended family, especially his brother Bill. While he accomplished so much in his lifetime, it is apparent he has left his imprint on many.
John Hardgrove
SLS '73
Mary Medicus
April 25, 2013
To the Kennedy family, I knew of Pat through my son, now a young police officer. My son studied criminal justice at UWM, where he met Pat. Pat became his mentor and friend. He was blessed to have such a mentor. As a Mom, I am so grateful for Pat's influence on my son and pray he becomes the kind of cop Pat was. We are so sorry for your loss. You are all in our prayers.
Patti Ann Simmers
April 25, 2013
This is the Simmers candle for you. Just can't believe your gone so soon. Watch over all of us....and use your magical spirit to intercede and guide us. So so sad to have you leave us early. Namaste friend.
So great to have met him
April 24, 2013
Aunt Pat,
I sincerely hope you are doing okay after all you've endured in the past week. My whole family thought it was the greatest thing that you two came all the way down to Bellevue for Chris and I's wedding in 2008. Words can't express how much that meant to us and we are forever grateful for the short, but memorable, time with you both.
Seeing all of the other guestbook entries, Pat made quite the impact on many and his legacy will live on.
Please know that you are greatly thought of in this difficult time.
Jen (Leal) & Chris Harris - Bellevue, NE
John Bach
April 24, 2013
Thank You for your service. You were an excellent instructor and will be remembered with the highest regard. Rest easy.
ALANA HARRISON
April 24, 2013
HE WAS BY FAR THE BEST PROFESSOR I EVER HAD. HE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED. HE WAS MY MENTOR AND MY FRIEND.
April 24, 2013
Pat will be greatly missed by his students over at Springfield. I had the honor of having him for a teacher in 3 different classes. He was truly a gifted teacher and will be missed greatly.
April 23, 2013
Deepest sympathies from Denver. What a shock to hear of his untimely passing. Yes he could tell such a story, and Pat always had a way of lifting your spirits. My heart feels your pain, saddness, and sudden loss. Hugs to his wife Patti, former wife, Mary and all the children, i am so sorry for your loss. Love to you all, Patti Ann, aka, Trish the Dish xxoo blessings and comfort to you in the difficult days ahead. There is a new bright star in the sky. Will miss you Patrick!!
Linda Reaves
April 23, 2013
Pat was the best McGruff(the crime dog) we ever had, you will be missed. My prayers are with you and your family.
Bill Bushman
April 23, 2013
I met Pat and worked with his Brother Dennis as a Milwaukee Deputy Sheriff. Pat was always funny and would help anyone he could. I respected Pat for being a great Cop and a great Human-being. I will keep him in my prayers...
Jim Becker
April 23, 2013
My Thoughts and Prayers are with Pat and his Family. He was a great addition to any endeavor that he participated in. He was accomplished in so many areas and all his friends and employers benefited from his deep concerns, wisdom and efforts to make this a better world. The Milwaukee Police Department never had a better "McGruff". His efforts have enlightened many. We all grieve the loss of a True Man of Respect !!!
Marisol Rodriguez
April 23, 2013
You will truly be missed by the students at UWM. I am so grateful to have met such an inspiring person. There is no one like you!! I am so saddened by your passing, My condolences to the Kennedy family.
chuck roessler
April 23, 2013
My prayers goes out to Pats family and friends. He was a great guy and I had the pleasure to play alot of basketball games with him and against him while we were with the MPD. You will be truly missed buddy
Chris Botsch
April 22, 2013
Nobody could tell a story like Pat. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Daana Townsend
April 22, 2013
Please accept my sincerest condolences. Patrick was a classmate of my in Graduate school. My thoughts and prayers are with the Kennedy family during this difficult time...
Dan Buss
April 22, 2013
My condolences to the Kennedy family and to my former coworker, Dennis! You will be in my prayers that God will bring some comfort to you during this painful time in your lives!
Larry Powalisz
April 22, 2013
My deepest sympathies go out to the Kennedy family. May God watch over you during this difficult time. Patrick joined the ranks of #5 Late in the late 70s. He brought tremendous laughter to the shift and was a treat to work with. He was still the same wild and crazy guy the last time I saw him in 2002, when we were both teaching at Springfield College.
Rest in Peace Pat.
Tiffany Harris
April 22, 2013
Kennedy knew and worked with my grandmother Sis Clara in Gingerbread Land for many years, and I had the privilege of working with him to recruit children for the neighborhood PAL league in Gingerbread Land. She misses you a great deal, and always has spoken so highly of you. Thank you for believing in my grandmother's vision, and working hard to help her achieve it. Thank you for sitting at my brother's (Touissaint)side in front of the city committee, and supporting his effort to get the church approved as an historical landmark. You were one of a kind with best sense of humor ever. Thank you for the book bag that you gave me last Summer (I complete my Masters in June of this year. The kids are going to miss seeing you come down on that extra tall bike this summer, to organize the games. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones at this time. 1st and Center will always remember you!
Mrs. Marsha Y. Jones
April 22, 2013
With sincere condolences for Mrs. Patricia Kennedy and family. I had the pleasure of working with Patrick this year as we discussed development of the online class he would teach for Springfield College School of Human Services. May God strengthen you during this difficult time.
April 22, 2013
Offering my deepest condolences. May you find comfort in Psalms 65:2
Latisha Spence-Brookens
April 22, 2013
My prayers and thoughts go out to the Kennedy Family. Pat was truly one of the most genuine and humorous people I have met. While to some he was intimidating in size he was truly a gentle giant who pushed everyone to be there best! His energy and enthusiasm for life will truly be missed! He lived to teach and to provide others with an opportunity to change and improve their situations. I pray that the legacy and the positive impact that he had on so many will allow you to find peace at this time!
Anthony Kennedy
April 22, 2013
I am so glad that I was able to visit with Pat and his wife Patty when they were in Austin for the film festival last year. That goofy little cousin of mine, the "Monk", grew up to become an exemplary man. My thoughts and prayers are with Patty, Pat's children and my other cousins.
Alex Vagelatos
April 22, 2013
At the UWM School of Education, we published a feature story about Patrick in one of our magazines. Meeting and talking with Patrick for this story was one of the highlights of my career. He was thoughtful, funny and generous with his time.
Eloisa De Leon
April 22, 2013
Our deepest condolences to the Kennedy family and their loss. Pat was a genuine person and I had the pleasure of working with him at ITT Technical Institute. His students speak volumes of him as a great instructor and person- as do his colleagues. Our heart and prayers go to his family.
Sincerely, The Christopher Family
Doreen Fischer
April 22, 2013
My daughter worked at Sentry in the bakery and spoke to Patrick frequently when he came in to buy his sweets. He encouraged her to go into law enforcement as he saw something in her that would be a compassionate detective like him;she choose to be a funeral director instead. She spoke highly of him and admired his knowledge and kindness as a person. He has touched so many people with kindness and has made a difference in Nikki's life. My prayers to his family and friends, he was truly someone to admire.
carrie wenner
April 22, 2013
My deepest sympathies to out to Pat's family. He was a good man and will be missed by all. RIP Pat
Kevin Kelsay
April 22, 2013
It was my profound pleasure to hire Pat as an instructor to our students at ITT Technical Institute in Greenfield. Pat was literally larger than life, and filled my students with inspiration, knowledge, and a strong moral sense of right and wrong. He lit up a room when he entered it. He commanded attention because he had something to say. We all send our love to his family and hope that the knowledge of his positive impact on so many young people will ease the pain of his loss. There will never be another quite like him.
Marianne Kwiatkowski
April 22, 2013
We at MPD's Fightin' Fifth knew Pat as "Big Bird". My sympathy to the family; he will be deeply missed.
Carrie Pruhs
April 21, 2013
Dear Pat and family,
We are very saddened and stunned by the loss of your dear husband. One word we always used to describe him was "gregarious." He was always so open and friendly to everyone. He will be missed by so many. Please take good care of yourself, and call if you need to talk.
Ken & Darlene Johnson
April 21, 2013
I am sadden once again by another fellow MPD officer being taken way too soon. Pat was larger than life when he walked into a room by his personality. I had the pleasure to work with Pat at Dist #5 and other investigative scenes. He will be dearly missed.
Sharon Kagel
April 21, 2013
Pat was a good man. I had the pleasure of working with him during my years with MPD. He always had a smile and kind words for us in the office.
Gary Eckstein
April 21, 2013
My condolences to the family, Pat was a good man, dedicated to serving the community. He will be missed. I am very sorry for your loss.
Isaac Sawyer
April 21, 2013
I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Pat. I worked with Pat during the late 70's at MPD. Pat was always and giant and it didn't take much when he showed up to slow things down. I know you will miss him, but God had a new job for him. I pray all will be strong and continue on as he would hope you would. Best wishes to all.
Retired P O Isaac Sawyer
April 21, 2013
Just know that you/Pat's family are in my thought and prayers. I knew him from church and he would always come up and talk to my kids after mass. Thanks for our recent conversation and for giving up your seat for my mom during East mass. I appreciate it. Love to you all.
Sincerely,
Jill, Mike and the Olen boys
Dee Harmsen
April 21, 2013
You are in my constant thoughts and prayers, may God grace you with his presence during this difficult time.
Tom Leal
April 21, 2013
Pat, I am so sorry. I was glad I met him at Jennifers wedding almost five years ago. If you need anything call me. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Patrick. your loving brother, Tom,Shelley, Jennifer and Chris, Tiffiny and Skyler from Omaha,Ne
Darlene Ulmer
April 21, 2013
Dear Patricia and family:
My heart is broken for you all. I wish I lived closer. There is nothing I can say to ease your pain, but please know I am thinking of you. Pat was a good man and always kind to me when our paths crossed. I pray family and friends will help ease the pain in time.
Sending much love.
Pat Jones
April 21, 2013
Today I carry a heavy heart..I completed my course work for my doctoral program, but I lost my mentor. Dr. P, has been with me on my three year journey, and has supported me and helped me in my walk. In his memory I will contiue my walk.......His disseration impacted many lives, and because of his imput wih my disseration it will impact many lives...his purpose in life was to make the world a better place for others....i was blessed to have known him, and will keep forever in my heart his model for life...help others
Moises Gomez
April 21, 2013
My sincere condolences to the family. Pat was always a happy and funny guy. I enjoyed working and playing basketball with him at the Milwaukee Police Dept.
You will be greatly missed.
Greg Hewitt
April 21, 2013
My heart goes out to all of Pat's family. He was a great man and I will miss him forever.
James Brown
April 21, 2013
To Patrick Kennedy Family and Friends,
Our James Brown Family offers you our deepest sorrow for your loss. I was able to catch-up with Pat last month at a Recruiter Network meeting where he made a wonderful presentation on Diversity. My son Jim and Patrick's son Pat played Dominican Basketball together during the 1991 season, winning the State Championship. Patrick and I talked about that season after the RN meeting and we planned to keep in touch. My son Jim and I plan to attend Wednesday's visitation. Rest in Peace Patrick, you ARE a good man.
Fr. Marv Knighton
April 21, 2013
Dear Maueen & Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you as you deal with the passing of your dad. I had the pleasure of your knowing your dad in his early years when he attended St. Lawrence Seminary. Our contact was rekindled when you attended Domnican High School. Your dad was not only big physcially but was in big in life, filled with enthusiasm wanting to do his best in all that he did.
It is our faith during this Easter season that we believe that Pat's "life is simply changed not ended." I hope that strengthens you and the rest of the family at this difficult time. I hold you in prayer.
Sincerely,
Fr. Marv Knighton
April 21, 2013
Pat my heart goes out to you. I am so sorry for your tremendous loss.
Laura Cemke
Barbara Fetkenhauer
April 21, 2013
Dear Patrica and Family,
Dr. Patrick Kennedy was a kind, gentle, smart and caring man. His students will miss his lectures and benevolent ways. Springfield College staff, faculty, and students send our deepest sympathy and prayers to you and your family.
Gregory Thiele
April 21, 2013
I was saddened to hear that Pat had passed away. I worked with Pat on the MPD. I remember watching Pat lead the Police band many times. He always looked like he was having so much fun. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
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