John Kennehan

The Mass of Christian Burial for Reverend John P. Kennehan will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at St. Patrick's Church in Brasher Falls. Bishop Terry R. LaValley will serve as the celebrant and Reverend Raymond J. Moreau will offer the homily.
On Monday, October 20, calling hours will be held at Donaldson-Seymour Funeral Home, 4 Cedar Street, Potsdam from 1 to 3 p.m. Father Kennehan's body will be received at 6 p.m. at St. Patrick's Church. Calling hours will follow until Night Prayer at 8 p.m. On October 21, calling hours will resume at St. Patrick's Church from 9:30 until 10:30 a.m.
Burial will follow at St. Patrick's Cemetery with a reception afterward at the lower level of St. Patrick's Church.
Father Kennehan died on October 12, 2025, at St. Joseph Home in Ogdensburg. He was 89.
Born September 28, 1936, in Brasher Falls, he was the second son of Harold and Ellen (Connolly) Kennehan. After graduation from St. Joseph Academy in Brasher Falls, he attended Wadhams Hall Seminary in Ogdensburg and Christ the King Seminary in Olean. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from St. Bonaventure University in Olean.
He was ordained to the priesthood on April 7, 1962, at St. Mary's Cathedral in Ogdensburg by Bishop James J. Navagh.
Father Kennehan's first assignment was as temporary parochial vicar at St. John the Baptist Church in Plattsburgh. He then served at St. Mary's Church in Clayton before returning to St. John the Baptist where he also taught high school religion classes. In 1967, he left San Martin de Porras in Mollendo, Peru to serve as parochial vicar and later pastor. After seven missionary years, he returned to serve as pastor at St. Paul's Church in South Colton and St. Patrick's Church in Colton. He returned to assist in Peru for 16 months.
Back at home, Father Kennehan served as pastor at St. James Church in Gouverneur followed by the Church of the Visitation in Norfolk. After two years at St. Louis University earning a master's degree in Pastoral Health Care, he returned to be pastor at St. John XXIII College Community Center while attending Plattsburgh State and earning a master's degree in College and Agency Counseling. He was then pastor of St. Mary's Church in Potsdam followed by St. Elizabeth Seton in Dexter and the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Brownville.
His final 10 years in ministry were as Chaplain at St. John's Hospital in Springfield, Missouri, before retiring in 2013.
Father Kennehan had a passion for travel, reading, especially historical books, large puzzles and golfing. His greatest joy was connecting with people, whether it was his parishioners or family gatherings.
He is survived by his nieces and nephews, Debbie Koes, Nancy Kennehan, Michael Amyot, Jim Amyot and Patrick Stearns.
Father Kennehan is predeceased by his parents and siblings, Helen Sterns and her husband Donald, Mary Amyot and her husband Edgar, and Phillip Kennehan.
Friends are encouraged to share memories and offer condolences online at www.donaldsonseymour.com.