Martin Thomas "Marty" Kennedy, 59, of Howell, New Jersey, passed away on July 2, 2025, in Howell.

Born on July 2, 1966, in Red Bank, New Jersey, Marty was a lifelong resident of the Garden State. He graduated from Mater Dei and went on to build a career as a butcher-a trade he dedicated most of his life to with pride and skill.

Marty was a man who found joy in the outdoors and cherished the time he spent fishing and hunting. These weren't just hobbies for him-they were passions he eagerly shared with his children. Teaching his sons how to fish and hunt was something he held close to his heart, and he took equal delight in teaching his daughter how to fish. Whether casting a line or tracking through the woods with friends, Marty felt most at home surrounded by nature.

He was deeply devoted to his family and friends. Known for his generous spirit and ever-present smile, Marty had a way of lighting up any room he entered. His presence brought comfort and strength; if you needed help, Marty was there-no questions asked. His loyalty and willingness to lend a hand left an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to know him.

Marty is survived by his beloved wife, Helen Kennedy; his mother, Linda Yazdani; his children: Brian Kennedy, Liam Kennedy and his wife Miranda Lauren Kennedy stepdaughters Christine Golden and her husband Vincent Cheryl Schlagenhaft along with her boyfriend Steven Woodworth; Gary Schlagenhaft and his wife Pavla; and his cherished grandchildren: Gary, Marie, little Vinny, and James.

He was predeceased by his father, Brian C. Kennedy.

Marty's legacy lives on through the memories shared by those who loved him-the laughter around a campfire, the quiet moments by the water's edge with a fishing rod in hand, and the unwavering support he offered without hesitation. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him.

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Recent Activity

Yesterday

Anna posted to the memorial.

July 10, 2025

Helen Kennedy posted to the memorial.

July 10, 2025

Sue Essig posted to the memorial.

16 Entries

Anna

Yesterday

He was the best dad and kept so much of his character right up til the end when he just closed his eyes and left us forever.
He's now with my mum and sister.
From God we come and to God we return.
RIEP daddy

Helen Kennedy

July 10, 2025

Sue Essig

July 10, 2025

Dear Helen and family. My heart breaks for your loss of such a wonderful man. He was kind and adventurous. After reading all of these wonderful memories friends and family have posted it fills me with joy and comfort to know he lived life to the fullest. I hope in the days to come you can also take comfort in this and savor all the joy he has spread and lives he has touched with his days here on this earth. May he rest in eternal peace. If you need anything at all I am here Sue Essig.

Mr. Anderson

July 10, 2025

It was a pleasure teaching you. All the best to the family going forward. May you all smile when the memories of him come to you.

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Joanne Paladino

July 9, 2025

Rest in peace my friend. You fought hard and found peace. My sincerest condolences to all family and friends. Definitely a great loss. Marty you my friend will be missed

Denise

July 9, 2025

You will be missed my friend but never forgotten

Bob Pirie

July 8, 2025

Dear Helen, Linda and the whole family,
Terrible news to hear ! My heart hurts for all of you. I grew up with Marty in Middletown and had some of the most awesome adventures and memories to last a lifetime.
Life cut too short for a spirit that burned so bright. Always had a smile on his face and had an easy way about him. I had just talked to him the day before and he was looking forward to his cruise to Bermuda.
He said he was in some pain but thought he would get through it. We talked about some old times and managed to squeak out a few laughs. I will miss him dearly.
Chanceville Park, Fabulous Meat Center,
Hartshorne woods, Green Diamond Lawn and so many places come to mind.
He will not be forgotten and our little clan of friends will raise a toast to a life well lived !

Shawn Daniel

July 8, 2025

DebraTalmadge

July 8, 2025

Helen and family- I am sorry to hear of Marty's passing. I had a great time working with him. I enjoyed hearing about his fishing and hunting adventures and would tell him about Fred's hunting trips. He definitely dedicated himself to his craft. I was just in one of the stores visiting some co-workers and had inquired as to whether anyone knew how Marty was doing... I guess my mind knew. He is at peace now. May you and the kids take solace in knowing he suffers no more. My thought and prayers are with you all.

Jules Simonelli

July 8, 2025

Dear Helen and family, my heartfelt condolences go out to you all. The world is not as bright without Marty´s kind eyes and smile.
I met Marty when I was 16 and we developed an instant life-long friendship for our shared love of music, hunting and fishing. Some of my fondest memories were moments spent in the outdoors with Marty. In many ways, he was like a brother to me. As we got older, sometimes we wouldn´t see each other for a while, but every time we would, it was like no time at all had passed and we picked up right where we left off. It´s as if we were still kids when we got together. So many awesome days together outdoors; just watching a sunrise or a sunset, a flock of geese going by, or a whitetail buck in the distance, just in awe of it all. I recall a hunting trip we took to Montana a few years ago, we came across a valley of unbelievable beauty and we were both completely stunned at just how magnificent it was. Marty looked at me and said, I think we just found paradise - a moment I will never forget. May you rest in peace Marty, I will miss you brother.

Christine Schlagenhaft Golden

July 8, 2025

Marty was a wonderful Stepfather and Amazing Grandpa! He was a great guy to say the least. We always had fun as a family! I will truly miss the camping trips, the trips to Knobles and Great Adventure, the family road trips, our Gettysburg adventures, Brians football games, the Sunday dinners with him cooking like a pro on the grill, the times in the pool enjoying the sun and everything else that I can't think of at the moment. But what breaks my heart is that he was the best, most amazing Grandpa to Little Vinny! And what hurts even more is that Little Jimmy will not have those same great times with his Grandpa Marty!!! Nothing will be the same, holidays, birthdays, nothing because you will be missing! My heart is broken! I will miss and love you forever! RIP

Richard Plungis

July 8, 2025

A lifetime of memories as we explored our universe together endless time fishing , hunting and exploring. That snapper Texas 30 miles out in the gulf of america. Surfing Barbados twice Bashiba . Stories that most wouldn´t believe we lived life to its fullest . Barbados with Lenny 1st and Chris Isaksen 2nd . Deep diving and Spear fishing the natives cooked the fish on beach for us. Surfing we always shared our waves gliding past each other. Barbadoes the natives nick named you commie Kazi and me the bomber. The native Andrew would say if it were anybody else we wouldnt like you but we love commie Kazi and the bomber . Marty would dive deep in the wave and I would bomb and cut hard . We explored that Island inside and out and after only a week everyone seemed to know who we were as we drove past local hang outs the natives would cheer at us and we would cheer back at them. Where ever we went something memorable happened. From the first day we met we never looked back taking the world by its horns, the madd Hermits. I never foresaw this day would come and realizing how entwined we were how this life is empty without you. Im pretty sure it wasnt suppose to end like this I imagined and felt many more years of good times were ahead of us. Something broke this time continuum and altered our path everyone knows this everyone feels this i know its not just me. I lite a fire for you it burned for three days a signal to the spirit world greatness is coming . Your spirit will surround us all looking over us especially your family watching them with great honor as they create their new paths in life.
I think of the Delaware water gap trips we took at the plung pool and crystal lake atop the appellation trail mountain . Running barefoot off trail stopping to build a fire and cook some london broil we brought. Deep in the mountain with ravines below we were in our element. The trips to virginia beach live lining off the 13 mile long bridge and camping on the beach. The trips to Florida to see Richie Roberts wow was that a fun time the three of us just were unstoppable and canoeing in the everglades , surfing at the reef . Or the trip with Albo Bags to key west stopping to see Mike Manning in Charlestown SC and wow what a special night with Mike. Every day was something like that when you hung out with Marty a lifetime of unbelievable stories . Walking this earth without Martin everyone will miss as his Spirit blended and comforted ours. Indian Indian what have we done a song we use to sing playing guitars . My music not so great but when singing it with Marty it was awesome. Everyone loved Marty and he loved everyone back.

Lori berger

July 8, 2025

So sorry for your loss, Helen. Sending lots of prayers hugs to you and your family. I know this is not easy to go through, but you are a very, very strong woman. You hold on to all the memories. That is what keeps us going. If you ever need anything, give me a call.Lori

PatYancey

July 8, 2025

It was a delight to have Martin at my home in Cleveland Tn. When Liam and Miranda got married. Lots of fun laughter getting to know my grand daughters future family. So very sorry for the families loss he will surely be missed. Praying for peace and comfort for all the family! Sending much love to family.

Matthew Maloney

July 8, 2025

Marty helped me get a grip on life when an internet scammer led me to believe I had gotten a dream job with a heavy metal band I loved . I had told everyone and it was devastating to realize it wasn't true especially after on boarding for three days ,sending a bunch of artwork and being on the phone and punctual just really putting my heart into it. He helped me realize it was a scam and without shaming me or making fun of me just really guided me through it . The time I've spent with him he was fun and a beloved brother in law ,my condolences to all of you and my heart goes out to you ,all of you in such hard times .

Alan Baggerly

July 8, 2025

Mart was my friend for over forty years. So many adventures and always having a great time. London and Amsterdam, hang gliding at Kittyhawk, road trip to the Florida keys, and concerts as resently as a few months ago. Countless parties and get togethers over the decades. A truely great person just by being himself.

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