Stephen W. Kennedy
January 18,1956-January 21, 2022
Steve died suddenly and unexpectedly at age 66. Loving husband of Jane (Schamber) Kennedy and devoted father of Kelly Kennedy and Matt Kennedy. Beloved son of Corinne Kennedy (the late Bert), brother of Tom (Donna) Kennedy, Bill (Julie) Kennedy, and Corinne (the late Mike) Davino. Son-In-Law of Inez (the late Arnold) Schamber, brother-in-law of David (Denise) Schamber, Jon Schamber, and Bob Schamber. Treasured uncle of Meghan, Jason, Erin (Klay), Sean, Lindsay (Jason), and Melissa and treasured great uncle of Dylan and Kennedy.
Steve grew up in South San Francisco. He attended El Camino High School where he played basketball for legendary coach Rene Herrerias and earned the league's MVP award in 1974. Steve met the love of his life Jane in a graduate class while attending San Francisco State University, where he earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees in psychology and counseling.
Steve and Jane were married on August 28, 1982. They were blessed with two beautiful children, Kelly and Matt, who were a never-ending source of love and pride for Steve. Steve enjoyed coaching CYO basketball for both Kelly and Matt and he never missed a game or event during their high school sports of volleyball, basketball, water polo, and swimming. Steve also enjoyed being a "starter" at swim meets for Kelly and Matt's recreational swim team.
Steve and Jane enjoyed traveling and spending time with their extended families. Steve's favorite place to vacation was Maui. His last trip there was in 2019 with Steve's family to celebrate his mom Corinne's 90th birthday. Steve inherited his love for the outdoors from his beloved grandfather, the late Bill (the late Eileen) Lambert, and enjoyed many fishing and duck hunting trips with his son Matt.
Steve spent most of his career working in San Francisco's financial district, specializing in the field of corporate compensation. He retired from Union Bank of California in 2016. All who knew Steve will miss his quick wit and sense of humor, which he shared with everyone.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Hull's Walnut Creek Chapel, 1139 Saranap Ave., Walnut Creek on Friday, February 25 at 10:30. Due to Covid rules, the funeral home requires masks. A private luncheon will be held following the service. Donations in Steve's memory can be made to the Boys & Girls Club of America.

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

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Feb. 3 to Feb. 7, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Kennedy

Sponsored by Hull's Walnut Creek Chapel.

13 Entries

Georgi Chase

May 11, 2023

So sorry to see this. Condolences to his family.

Jennie S

October 28, 2022

My condolences to the Kennedy family. Steve was my mentor and manager at Union Bank. He had great humor and always had a calming presence. He always shared wonderful stories about his family. Steve always took time to help or be a supportive mentor at work. He will be truly missed.

Barb Magnuson

February 22, 2022

My condolences to the Kennedy family. I had the pleasure of working with Steve for many years. He set the standard for kindness and professionalism in everything he did. While we did not work side by side (Steve in SF and I in So Cal), he was always available for a quick call and to offer advice. We hit it off right away and whether we talked work or family, it always ended with a good laugh. He will be missed.

Kim O´Farrell

February 15, 2022

With love and care to the Kennedy family - and to all of us who were his friends. Steve was a calm and friendly presence at Union Bank. He kept the team grounded during times of change, provided coaching when needed, and always engaged fully and respectfully when someone needed his time. I miss our coffee breaks, chats about family, and easy-going banter about the work that we do. I like to think of him now, coffee mug in hand, chatting with someone on the other side about life, his family, and taking it all in stride.

Kimberly Anderson

February 9, 2022

My very deepest condolences to the Kennedy Family. I am so sorry to hear the sad news. I met Steve the day that he and Jean offered me my job at Union Bank. From the very beginning we hit it off! He was one of my closest friends and alley. He will be missed. May God bless his family and keep you doing this time. Rest in peace my friend.

Melissa Maeyama

February 8, 2022

So very saddened by this news of the loss of a well admired man. We knew Steve and family for many years of swim team and the many activities that ensued over the years. He was someone who always was so proud of his family and adored them. Sending condolences to Jane, Kelly and Matt, so very sorry.

Beverly Arnold

February 8, 2022

I am so sorry to hear of Steve's death. My deepest condolences go out to his beloved family, but also to those who worked with him over the years and counted him as a treasured friend and colleague. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you!

Beverly Arnold (sister of Marcia Driscoll)

Anita Brown

February 8, 2022

My deepest condolences for his family. Steve was a true original and a joy for those who had the good luck to know him. He leaves a huge hole in the world of the living.

Mary Warren

February 5, 2022

I send my condolences to Karen, Matt and Kelly as well as all of the Kennedy family. Steve and I were classmates at Mater Dolorosa for 8 long years I think! I graduated with him from El Camino. A year ago, some of us from the class of 1970 had a zoom conversation where I was reminded of Steve's humor and how gentle he was, which for me is a memory that I will cherish. Know that you will all be in my prayers especially in the days ahead.

Janice Moua

February 4, 2022

My condolences to Steve´s family and friends. My favorite memories of Steve are of walking next to him in SF on the way back to work. He would purposely slow down because I was much shorter than him and he had longer strides.

He always spoke very fondly of his kids and family.

Rest In Paradise, Steve.

Janice Moua

February 4, 2022

My favorite memory of Steve was when he would slow down while walking around in SF because I was much shorter than him and he had longer strides. My condolences to Steve´s family and friends.

John Simas

February 4, 2022

Condolences to the family. Sorry for your loss. Steve was such an awesome person. I worked with him for many years and he was so helpful and cool. He was very encouraging and always fun to talk to. He was a friend and will be missed.

Cindi Ekberg

February 4, 2022

To all the Kennedy Family,
I cannot tell you how shocked and saddened I was to hear of Steve's passing. We met in high school and became very good friends in our junior and senior years. I remember him waiting on our porch after graduation so he could change his clothes and park his car. A week after graduation our family moved to Burlingame but Steve still came down on Sundays to enjoy our family's big Italian dinners. I will never forget him referring to himself as "Legs" Kennedy. My deepest sympathies to you Jane, his children, Matt and Kelly, to his mom, and brothers and sister and to all the Kennedy family. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers,
Sincerely,
Cindi Ekberg ( Casassa)

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