Robert D. Kennedy
On Saturday, April 3, 2021, Robert D. Kennedy, loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, died peacefully at his New Canaan, CT home at the age of 88.
Bob was born on November 8, 1932, the youngest of four sons, to Lois (Smith) Kennedy and T. Reed Kennedy in Pittsburgh, PA. He attended Cornell University where he received his B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1955. He married the love of his life, the late Sally (Duff) Kennedy on January 28, 1956.
Bob spent his entire professional career at Union Carbide Corporation, beginning in 1955. He held various positions within the corporation, including the management of the European Carbon Business from Geneva, Switzerland, President of the Linde Division, and President & COO of the Chemicals & Plastics Division. He served as President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Union Carbide from April 1986 until his retirement in 1995.
Among his many awards and achievements, Bob received the 1995 Chemical Industry Medal from The Society of Chemical Industry for leadership, foresight, and contributions to applied chemistry that enhanced the progress of the entire industry. The Chemical industry security analysts named him recipient of the 1995 Kavaler Award for Chief Executive excellence. In 1991 the Societe de Chimie Industrielle awarded him the prestigious International Palladium Medal for his leadership in environmental and education efforts. He received the Honorary Fellow Award from the American Institute of Chemists in 1988.
With his lifelong passion for education, believing that 'knowledge was power', he was a member of the Business Roundtable's education committee, and founder and past Chairman of the Connecticut Business for Education Coalition (CBEC). During 1993-94 he also served on the Commission on Educational Excellence for Connecticut (CEEC), created by the Governor and General Assembly to develop a plan to establish a world class educational system for Connecticut. He served as Chairman and as a member of the board of National Inroads, Inc., an organization that identifies outstanding minority students and introduces them to the business world. He served as a Trustee Emeritus, Presidential Counselor, and past Co-Chair of the Committee on Academic Affairs and Campus Life, and Chair of the Task Force on Athletics at Cornell University. He was a member of the Board of Trustees of the Aspen Institute; a moderator of the Aspen Institute Programs on Humanistic Studies and the Corporation in Contemporary Society and was Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the New Hampton School. Bob also worked on President George H.W. Bush's 1000 Points of Light. Additionally, he was a member of the Board of Governors of the International School of Geneva, Switzerland.
Bob's love for his late wife and family eclipsed all his professional accomplishments. He is survived by his children Robert B. (Lisa) Kennedy, Thomas Kennedy, Kathleen (Dawn) Kennedy and Melissa (Greg) Jurick, his cherished ten granddaughters and one great-granddaughter, as well as his brother, George (Valerie) Kennedy.
A celebration of Bob's life will be held later this year.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Bob to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, online at michaeljfox.org or to the New Hampton School at newhampton.org.
For online condolences, please visit www.hoytfuneralhome.com.

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

Published by Danbury News Times on Apr. 9, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Kennedy

Sponsored by Hoyt Funeral Home & Cremation Service - New Canaan.

3 Entries

Gene Cartledge

April 4, 2022

This will be far too long, but so many things have happened and I miss him so. I still remember when Molly and my Susan went to Dallas. They were mesmerized on the elevator that went up and you could see all of the lobby. I remember Turin, Italy when Sally and Bob took Gale and me and we enjoyed ourselves immensely. And, later, Bob and I went to Valderrama as a guest Rainer Gut, the head of Credit Suisse. And then Gale, Sally and Bob went to Mexico City. A fantastic trip. And, of course, our many trips to the Masters. And when he agreed to be on our Board. And later, my calls to Bob after he had Parkinsons. I enjoyed the calls. He was always up and informed. All of us will miss this wonderful man forever.

Gale & Gene Cartledge

Planted Trees

Bill Cooper

April 6, 2021

Uncle Bob, I will miss you. I remember when I got into a major car accident with your nephew, George Danner Kennedy, Jr. I guy hit us head on coming from the wrong direction. Our car looked like its front end hit a wall at 60 MPH. You stayed with me every minute at my hospital room until my parents could get there. They were in Bermuda, they got the next plane, but you stayed right next to me until they arrived. You also have been a very generous mentor to me throughout my business career. You and Aunt Sally were such an important influence on me and you both always treated me as family. I will miss you, but I am sure you will be in heaven and still watching over all your family.

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