BRIAN KENNEDY

1941 - 2021

KENNEDY--Brian James Kevin. Brian James Kevin Kennedy, also known affectionately by his family as Bubba, died on December 29, 2020 after a long battle with cancer. He passed away at home surrounded by his loving family. Brian was born in New York City on November 7, 1941 to parents Una and James Kennedy. He grew up in Lynbrook, Long Island and was a student at Xavier High School in Manhattan. After graduating from Xavier, he went on to attend the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University. After graduation, Brian enlisted in the Army and studied Japanese language in Monterey, CA. before joining the Military Intelligence division in Japan. After serving in the military, Brian accepted a job with the airline TWA and moved to Chicago where he met his future wife Donna Rugendorf. Brian asked Donna to marry him after only three dates. They recently celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary. Brian was a true New Yorker. He loved the Knicks, the Yankees, and the Giants and would often take his two daughters, to games several times a week. He was an original foodie and would love to discover tiny spots in the East Village. While "home" was the city, Brian and Donna kept a second residence in Watermill, NY for more than 40 years. They also grew to love and reside part-time in Laguna Niguel, CA. In his professional life, Brian was a highly-respected travel executive. He led Marketing and Sales first at TWA and later at Hertz Corporation. At TWA, Brian launched innovative programs such as Business Class Service, Kids Fly Free (while other carriers banned kids), $149 Anywhere, and TWA Getaway Tours the industry's first 'frequent flyer' program. At Hertz, he developed the #1 Gold, Presidents Circle, and Prestige Service initiatives. In the 1980s, he was among those to sing the iconic jingle in a TV commercial for the 'I Love New York' campaign. A dedicated father and grandfather, Brian loved spending time surrounded by family. He could often be found dancing around the house with his grand-kids. In the last few years, Brian discovered a love of taking long walks. Despite a year-and-a-half of chemo treatments and radiation, he regularly walked between 3-5 miles a day, often checking his beloved Fitbit. Brian is survived by his wife Donna Kennedy, daughters Kerry Kennedy and Kelly Kennedy Mack, sons-in-law Brad Goldberg and Stephen Mack, and granddaughters Georgia Kennedy Goldberg, Kate Kennedy Goldberg, Scarlett Kennedy Mack, and Sienna Kennedy Mack. The families' twin Bernedoodle dogs - Cooper and Quincy. A celebration of his remarkable life will be held in New York this coming June.