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Gregory Kennedy
1967 - 2025
Gregory Kennedy
1967 - 2025
Obituary
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Gregory Kennedy Obituary
A fifth-generation Californian born in Sacramento, Greg was the son of Justice Anthony McLeod Kennedy and Mary Davis Kennedy. Greg attended Jesuit High School in Sacramento, graduating at the top of his class. After receiving his bachelor's degree and law degree from Stanford University, he began his career as a law clerk for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. In 1992, he moved to New York City to practice law at Sullivan & Cromwell, and shortly thereafter, met his beloved wife Victoria Reese in Locust Valley. In 1999, he transitioned from law to finance, and over the next two decades, he built a successful career as a senior investment banker, advising banks and financial institutions before establishing Advection.
Greg's reputation for integrity and boundless generosity extended beyond the professional realm to his philanthropy - serving on the board of The Windward School in New York and, alongside his wife Victoria Reese, tirelessly supporting Komera, an organization supporting education for young women in Rwanda. Greg's warmth, dedication, and innate ability to connect with others left an indelible mark on everyone he touched. His large network of friends was both deep and broad. Greg had a rare gift for friendship, bringing people together and fostering deep relationships.
Always embodying the generous and brave spirit of the West, Greg spread happiness with his civic minded ideals and community engagement. His family and friends considered him their ambassador of joy, love, and decency. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 30 years, Victoria, and his two sons, Reese Davis Kennedy and Finn Livingston Kennedy. He took immense pride in his two remarkable sons, who were his greatest joy and legacy. In addition to his parents, he will be deeply missed by his brother, Justin Kennedy, and his spouse Jennifer, and his sister, Kristin Kennedy Clark, and her husband John. His loss will be felt dearly by his in-laws and extended family; parents-in-law John and Hope Reese, sister-in-law Augusta Reese and her spouse, Mark Donohue, as well as his nine nieces and nephews: Anthony McLeod, Claire, and Charlotte Kennedy; Christina, Nicholas, John Colby, and Henry Clark; John, Franny, and Ava Donohue.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Advocates for Children of New York (www.advocatesforchildren.org), Komera (www.komera.org), or Jesuit High School (https://www.jesuithighschool.org). A wake will be held on Thursday, January 23rd from 4 - 6 p.m. at the Frank E. Campbell funeral home and a funeral mass will be held at St. Vincent Ferrer on Friday, January 24th at 10 a.m., both in Manhattan, New York.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Kelly Warburton Westergren
July 10, 2025
My sister in law was back in Sacramento and just shared with me the news of Greg´s passing. I am so saddened to hear and want to send my condolences to Greg´s wife, children and the entire Kennedy family. Greg was such a wonderful friend bringing light and fun into everything and everyone who was blessed to know him.
Shreya B
June 7, 2025
Greg and I did not work together, but we were on the same team.
When I spoke to him about my new company and in a very different context, he immediately offered to help and connected me with multiple helpful people!
He always had a wide smile and was extremely kind!
May his soul rest in peace.
William H. Webster and Lynda Webster
March 21, 2025
Just tonight, a friend informed us of Greg's untimely death; from all we have heard and read, he was extraordinary man we wish we had known.
We hope it helps to know that caring people, many who are strangers, share in your grief.
With our deepest sympathy, Judge William Webster and Lynda Webster
Davis Wolf
March 1, 2025
Will always remember Friday late afternoons with the Jesuit HS crew.
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Jason Anderson
February 27, 2025
Greg very generously introduced me, a total newcomer, to all of his friends when I was fresh on the scene at Oxford. He came to my wedding, and I always enjoyed getting together with him when I passed through New York, where he would invariably invite me to enjoy the atmosphere at one of his favorite haunts. I will miss his wit and forthrightness. Rest in peace, amigo.
Greg Coules
February 22, 2025
I met Greg during parents weekend at High Point this past October and we connected as I knew his brother and wife. Greg was such a warm, friendly and kind person. The kind of guy that within 5 minutes gave you the attention, interest and warmth of a buddy you´ve known for a long time. My heartfelt condolences to Greg´s entire family. I´m sincerely sorry for your loss.
Hunter Gallaway
February 21, 2025
My deepest condolences to the Kennedy family and beyond! Hunter Gallaway
Robin, Anthony and Justin Boutin
February 18, 2025
My introduction to Greg was when he so generously invited my son to a birthday celebration for Finn. He showed my son so much kindness that I will always remember him. My heart goes out to Victoria, Reese and Finn. Always know that he truly had a way of making people feel special.
Peter Freilinger
January 29, 2025
In a long career in banking, I've only met a handful of individuals with as much integrity and character as Greg. It's not always a pretty industry, but Greg brought his laughter, his faith, and his keen intellect to every setting and shared his talent with everyone he worked with. He will be missed - Victoria, my prayers go out to you and your family.
Judy and Sara DeMarino
January 28, 2025
Victoria, Reese, and Finn,
our hearts go out to all you.
You were the very best neighbors! We will always remember Greg´s smile, the humorous conversations he shared with John, and
introducing me to
some amazing wines.
Kate Dreyfus
January 27, 2025
I was so fortunate to meet Greg early in my first year at Stanford Law School. He was such a bright light, warm-hearted and kind. He had that kind of inner light that nothing, even time, can dim. I´m very sad to hear of his passing, and send my condolences to his family.
Laureen Seeger
January 26, 2025
Victoria, Reese & Finn, Our hearts go out to you. Greg was kind, generous, smart, warm, and fun, and we are better for having known him. Laureen
Brian Day O´Connor
January 26, 2025
Condolences to the Kennedy family from the O´Connors. Greg was an amazing high energy smart fun fellow. God bless Gregory Kennedy.
Robin West
January 26, 2025
I knew Greg from Donohue's. Our conversations were brief and infrequent, but his impact was huge.
Greg always remembered my name. Whenever we spoke, he was thoughtful and had positive energy to share, no matter what might be going on in his own life.
I saw him and Victoria just a couple of days before his shocking death. There was his ever-present big smile and that twinkle in his eye. Greg was, as usual, so full of life, grace, and light. He still is.
My deepest condolences to his beloved family.
Shane Zhang
January 26, 2025
Our friendship was forged in the trenches of investment banking 25 years ago, and I cherish the countless hours we worked together. I remember one particularly brutal all-nighter, when everyone was stressed to the breaking point. You kept spirits up by sharing hilarious stories, reminding us all what truly mattered. Even after all these years, your dedication to your family always shone through. I still remember our dinner a few months ago; you wanted to finish promptly before 9 pm so you could get home to help your son with a school related matter. That's the kind of dedicated father and friend you were - gregarious, warm, trustworthy, with a huge heart. I will miss our conversations, your infectious laugh, and your unwavering support. My heart goes out to Victoria, Reese and Finn during this incredibly difficult time. You will be deeply missed.
Michelle Lee
January 25, 2025
Dear Victoria, Reese and Finn, I am so sorry for your and your family's loss. I will always remember Greg's infectious smile, how hard he worked, and how much he cared for his family. May your memory of him always bring a warmth to your heart and a smile to your face. Be well. Michelle Lee
Brian Levin
January 25, 2025
My deepest condolences to Greg's family on this heartbreaking loss.
Brian Levin
David C B Soanes
January 25, 2025
Such a sweet hearted colleague, unlike all others. A friend who cared for his friends with passion. A passion for making the most of his life every day. I once had dinner with him at the Knickerbocker (I think). It finished at 11:30pm and Greg promptly went to have some excruciating stretching session. Deepest condolences to his lovely family and his endless friends.
Megan Hills
January 24, 2025
Greg was a wonderful classmate. I will always remember being in awe of how insightful (and prepared!) he was for our Civil Procedure class at 8:15 in the morning!
Ann Allan
January 24, 2025
Our deepest Sympathies and condolences for your loss of Greg. We didn´t know him well but when he was in a room his smile radiated to everyone. Our thoughts and prayers are with Victoria, Reese and Finn and the entire family. Lovingly Ann & Bill Allan
Angelique Black McKoy
January 24, 2025
I know without a shadow of a doubt that Greg was a loving husband and father. I am sending my deepest condolences and love to Victoria and all of the family. (Angelique Black McKoy)
Mark Ryzewicz
January 24, 2025
It always made me happy to see & talk to Greg. This world is a little better place because of Greg Kennedy. He will be missed......
Winnie Qian
January 24, 2025
I first met Greg when I interviewed for my first job out of college with his group at MS. It was impossible to not be drawn to Greg´s big smile and hearty sense of humor. In our years working together, his ability to connect with people of all levels was inspiring to me as a young professional. I am saddened to hear of his passing, and would want him to know that I am grateful for his positive influence in my career.
Leticia M. Casalduc
January 24, 2025
I met Greg at Stanford Law School sometime in Sept 1989. Handsome, jovial and welcoming. The January that my parents visited, I think 1990, part of the class planned a ski trip to Tahoe's Squaw Valley. MY then husband and I joined with my parents in tow. He was attentive enought to invite them, my then husband and I to his parents' house in Lake Tahoe for drinks and ... maybe dinner --time has flown by. He and his family were ... handsome, jovial and welcoming!! It was a delicious evening in many ways. Rest in peace. I offer my deep condolences to his family and friends. Leticia Casalduc Rabell
Alexis Tchoudnowsky
January 24, 2025
Less than two months ago, we'd exchanged on some possible deal and a situation Greg had typically helped another friend with. We'd discussed a future visit to our place in Normandy.
If we didn't manage to meet as often as we wanted to, we never lost touch, ever since we met on that bus from Heathrow to Oxford realising we were both students at Teddy Hall. Greg visited me and my family in Paris a few times and I witnessed the start of his improbable passion for... "andouillette". I visited him in NYC of course, first when he had just started at S&C, later with Victoria who is with the boys so much in my thoughts, and more recently again.
Evoking memories is testimony to an unending presence, that of Greg shall remain to me the face of unconditional loyalty and friendship.
Denis & Elisabeth Terrien
January 24, 2025
Dear Greg, your continued smile, incredible kindness and continued loyalty to your family and friends will be missed. Elisabeth et I will pray for you and your family. Elisabeth & Denis
Denis Terrien
January 24, 2025
Dearest Greg, your smile, kindness and loyalty to your family and friends will be missed. You and your family are in my prayers.
Sophie Anson
January 23, 2025
Greg,
I met you when you were training for the NYC marathon. You were always thoughtful, kind, gave everything 100%. You never missed an opportunity to tell a story about your sons, taking so much pride in their accomplishments. You were clearly a devoted dad - and very proud husband.
While I only knew you in a professional setting, your dry sense of humor and wit is what I will remember you by - that, and you gamely wearing Finn´s pearl necklace on a dare! An utterly heartbreaking loss for your friends and your beautiful family.
Tom Moran
January 23, 2025
Victoria, Reese and Finn,
My sincere condolences and sympathies at the loss of Greg. You are in my thoughts and prayers. "Death is a heartache that no one can heal; Love is a memory that no one can steal"; I pray that you will forever treasure the living memories of Greg.
May Greg rest in peace!
Tom Moran, Chicago
Dawn Chirwa
January 23, 2025
I am stunned. And, so sad for Greg's family and everyone who knew him. Greg was such a vibrant personality. I don't remember a time when I didn't see Greg without a smile on his face, a laugh or something warm to say. We didn't see eye to eye on politics or policy often, but that never got in the way of us being friends. And, I considered him a friend for the years during our time at Stanford Law and when he was my neighbor in lower Manhattan and beyond. We were friends because Greg was a person who embraced everyone, was always eager to talk and learn and was curious about what you were thinking and how you were doing. What a great man, husband, father, son, sibling. We were all fortunate to know him.
Sundar Srinivasan
January 23, 2025
I often think back on the many hours I spent with Greg in the trenches of banking. Funny, engaged, and someone who could make anyone feel valued and important.
Greg´s grin, story-telling and witty dry responses will stay with all of us for a long time to come.
Todd H Baker
January 23, 2025
There are only a few people you meet in life who are truly "good." Good son, good parent, good friend, good spouse, good businessperson. Greg was one of those. I can proudly and sadly say that I was his friend.
Jay Bryant
January 23, 2025
Greg and I joined the Knickerbocker club at about the same time 20 years ago. His easy demeanour and welcoming smile quickly transformed new acquaintances into old friends. Our lives closely paralleled each other through the mutual love and pride in our sons. Everyone at the club genuinely loved that man, and his loss is deeply felt. So long, old friend.
Sam Jackson
January 23, 2025
While we did not connect enough as older adults, Greg and I were close companions at Stanford. We celebrated our disparate intellectual and social backgrounds. He looms large in many, many college memories and was a treasured confidante and true homey during the challenging, confusing and exciting times of early manhood. As we matured I admired his dedication, integrity and devotion to family and noted that he had quietly won over New York City, my childhood home. That´s what Greg did; he won you over with his insouciant joy, fierce intellect and just a touch of `damn the torpedoes. He will be sorely missed. This is a dear loss; all love to his family and friends.
Fiona Houston
January 23, 2025
So sorry to hear this news just now. I knew Greg in Oxford, when he came over for a term at Teddy Hall from Stanford. I remember as happy, warm, and a lot of fun to be around. Sending my deepest condolences to all his family.
Amy Thoresen Goforth
January 23, 2025
Greg,
Since the time we were classmates at Stanford and sat in a few English classes together or chatted at one of your fraternity parties, the way I would describe you is "larger than life." You added something special to every room you entered, and you were so incredibly smart. I wasn´t at all surprised when you pivoted from law to finance because you were multi-talented. Your life was so full and so rich. Memories of you will live on for all of us. I´m praying for comfort, love and support for your entire family during this unimaginably tough and tender time. You will be dearly missed.
Spencer Schock
January 22, 2025
Greg,
Stanford University can be tough place. There were times when I began to lose faith.
Then, suddenly you would arrive in the hallway of our fraternity with smile, laughter, and a crazy story to tell. "Schockaire! You will never believe this!"
How could anyone not treasure your entrance?
I was from a hardscrabble ranch in Oregon. You were from a prominent California family. Yet, you found a way to bless my last name with French noblesse. You said, "aire" with one-of-a-kind flair. It was hilarious! Both kick in the pants and compliment. A shot of courage. A call to arms. A confirmation of brotherhood, family, and love. You could pack it all into one word.
Yours were well-timed gifts and I am forever indebted.
Your magic transcends the universe. You are a forever brother; one carried in all our hearts until the end of time.
Andrew Hall
January 22, 2025
Greg, I'm left without words. I was your big brother at the fraternity, you were an usher at my wedding, and the memories go on. I always thought that we would reconnect and catch up after we had retired, but God had different plans. Godspeed, my friend, and as always, "In hoc signo vinces!" Andy
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