Erwin E. Kennedy Jr.

Erwin E. Kennedy, Jr., 92, of Ellington, beloved husband of the late Teresa (Descoteaux) Kennedy, died peacefully on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at home, surrounded by his family. Erwin was born in Biddeford, ME, on October 5, 1933, son of the late Erwin E. and Eleanor (Staples) Kennedy.

Erwin was a graduate of the Thornton Academy in Saco, ME. Erwin won the state of Main high school golf championship during his freshman year. He went on to earn a bachelor's degree from the University of Maine at Orono in engineering. Erwin met and married the love of his life, Teresa Descoteaux on February 4, 1956, and they settled in South Windsor where they lived for over 55 years. He went to work for Pratt & Whitney Aircraft where he designed aircraft engines. Erwin retired in 1991 after 35 years of service.

He was an avid golfer and member of Manchester Country Club for over sixty years. Erwin won the Club and Senior Club Championship many times over the years and achieved 3 hole-in-one's over his golf career. Erwin earned the title of "Grandfather of Golf" from his friends and fellow golfers at the club. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed the Boston Red Sox and all Boston sports teams, as well as UCONN sports. He also enjoyed gardening, and reading, especially crime novels.

Erwin was a parishioner of Blessed Sacrament Parish, St. Bernard Church in Vernon for many years.

He leaves his two daughters, Diane Rinaldo of New Bern, NC, and Laura Mateya and her husband Christopher of Ellington; his grandchildren, Derek Scheer and his wife Kate of Derry, NH, Kathryne Rinaldo of New Bern, NC, Sara Mateya and Matthew Mateya both of Ellington; his great grandchildren, Dylan Scheer and Teresa Scheer both of Derry, NH; his brother, Robert Kennedy of ME; his brother-in-law, John Ryan of CA; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was predeceased by his brother, John Kennedy.

His family will receive friends on Friday, February 27, 2026, from 4-7 p.m., at the Samsel & Carmon Funeral Home, 419 Buckland Rd., South Windsor. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, 11:30am, at St. Mary's Cemetery on Elm St., Biddeford, ME. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105. For online condolences please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com