Robert Paul Kennedy

Robert Paul Kennedy, 92, beloved husband and father, died March 1, 2025. 

Robert (Bob) was born April 4,1932 in Falls City, Nebraska to Burdette Franklin and Alice Louise Kennedy. 

 Bob was predeceased by his parents, sister, Maxine Kennedy Hefty, brother Roger Wayne Kennedy and his beloved wife, Bonnie. He is survived by daughters Marsha Kennedy Foryt and Marta Kennedy of Greensboro, NC, son, Michael Kennedy of Waterbury, CT, grandsons, Jerad (Victoria) of Milford, CT, Derrik (Kelly) of Old Saybrook, CT, great-grandchildren, Caleb, Eisley, Quinn and Owen Kennedy also in Connecticut. 

 After graduating from Falls City High School in 1950, Bob attended Commercial Extension School of Business in Omaha, NE and was later employed in April 1951 in the accounting department of The Union Pacific Railroad headquarters in Omaha. In September 1951, Bob joined the U.S. Navy Reserve, attended a training program at the Naval Air Station at Olathe, Kansas, received the rate of Airman and applied for active duty with the Navy. 

 On November 9, 1952, Bonnie Hatch, the love of Bob’s life, and he were married. Now on active duty at the Naval Air Station in Corpus Christi, Texas, they lived there until 1954. While there, daughter Marsha was born. The family later moved to Lincoln, NE and Bob attended the University of Nebraska graduating in 1958 with a BS degree in Business Administration. The family now of five, moved to Rochester, NY where Bob was employed by Eastman Kodak Company in the financial division. 

 Bob joined the Barnard Fire Department as a volunteer firefighter and EMT. He served 2 years as President of the organization, played an instrument in the fire department band and marched with the band in the 1969 Tournament of Roses Parade. In 1971 he joined the Charlotte Corinthian Masonic Lodge. The family became members of Aldersgate United Methodist Church, and he and Bonnie sang in the choir. 

 During his 31 years with Kodak, Bob worked in accounting and auditing positions conducting numerous audits of company subsidiaries around the world. He transferred to the international division and worked for 9 years in financial management in subsidiary units in Paris France, Cape Town South Africa, Bogota Colombia and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. 

Bob retired from Kodak in 1989, they moved to Hilton Head Island SC in 1990 and he started Kennedy Business Services. They sang in the choir at the United Methodist Church. Bob was an active member with the Unanimity Masonic Lodge serving as Master of the Lodge for 1 year and Secretary for 3 years. 

In 1997, the relocated to Aiken SC. Bob maintained his business in Hilton Head and expanded in Aiken until retiring in 2022. Bonnie and Bob enjoyed golfing, traveling and taking care of their dogs. They joined First Presbyterian Church of Aiken and sang in the Chancel Choir. Bob transferred his membership to Aiken Masonic Lodge and served as the Secretary for 16 years. 

 The death of Bonnie in 2020 nearly 75 years after they first met and 67 years of marriage made Bob’s last years very difficult. Bob volunteered for several years at Aiken County Animal Shelter to share his love and affection for dogs to help make their journeys a bit more pleasant. 

 The family will receive friends Thursday evening, March 6th from 6 until 8 o'clock at Shellhouse - Rivers Funeral Home with Masonic Rites accorded at 6 o'clock. 

 The funeral service will be held Friday afternoon at 1 o'clock at First Presbyterian Church with The Rev. Dr. Christopher Erde officiating. Interment will be in Steele Cemetery, Falls City, NE. 

 In lieu of flowers or plants, please make generous donations to help the animals at Aiken County Animal Shelter. 

SHELLHOUSE - RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, 715 EAST PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC