Joseph Harry Kennedy

Joseph Harry Kennedy obituary, Melbourne, FL

Joseph Harry Kennedy

Joseph Kennedy Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Brownlie & Maxwell Funeral Service & Crematory on Aug. 12, 2025.

Publish in a newspaper

Joe was born in Royal Oak, Michigan on April 23, 1946. He moved to Pompano Beach, Florida from Michigan in 1962 and years later was transferred to Melbourne, Florida by his then current employer. He was the Director of Manufacturing Operations at DRS in Melbourne, Florida upon his retirement.
He enlisted in the US Navy in 1965. Joe served on the USS Luce DL57 for 6 years during the Vietnam War.
Joe's favorite sports were basketball where he played for Pompano High School and was a starter. His favorite NFL team was the Miami Dolphins and his favorite NHL team was the Detroit Red Wings. He and his wife loved snow skiing in Lake Tahoe where they went every winter to ski.
They also loved gambling, so many trips were planned around casinos. He also loved boating and camping when they purchased their first camper, a Class "C", and then they graduated to a Class "A" with a trailer to accommodate their golf cart and motorcycles. He loved riding his Harley Davidson.
Joe leaves behind his wife of 42 years, Marlene Elizabeth Kennedy along with the five children they raised together as he had sole custody of his three children from his prior marriage. Surviving are his daughter Heather (husband Steve) Strange along with grandchildren Savanna and Chelsea; daughter Jennifer (husband Brian) Allen along with grandson Dalton and great grandsons Carter, Porter and Wyatt; granddaughter Shelby; son Jeffrey Kennedy along with grandson Cristian. He is also survived by his stepdaughter Kimberly Powell along with grandchildren Sean, great grandson Hudson, Kaitlin, along with great grandsons Easton and Ryder; Kiera and Skyler; stepson Kristopher (wife Meridith) Sanford along with grandchildren Jaden, Zion and M'Koah. Combined, Joe and his wife Marlene had 12 grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
Per Joe's wishes he will be cremated.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

How to support Joseph's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Joseph Kennedy's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Joseph Kennedy's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?