Thomas Kennedy

1943 - 2023

Thomas Kennedy
March 26, 1943 - June 6, 2023
Tommy passed away holding the hand of his beloved wife of 55 years, Margaret, on June 6, 2023 at the age of 80. Tommy was the loving father of Brian and Deirdre (Christian) and devoted grandfather of Aidan and Auggie. He was preceded in death by his parents Roger and Magaret Kennedy, his sister Mary Holden, and his brothers Roger and Patrick. He is survived by his sister Alice O'Sullivan.
Tommy was born on March 26, 1943 in Clonmel, County Tipperary, Ireland. Losing his mother when he was just 3 years old and his father at 7, he was raised by his great aunt and great uncle Alice and George Weeks. At the young age of 15, Tommy served in the Irish Army for three years under the auspices of the United Nations as a Peacekeeper in the Congo. Afterwards, he spent three years in London learning to be a baker. In 1964 at the age of 21, Tommy left for a new life in the United States with his best friend Nicky Ryan. Five years later, he proudly became an American citizen.
Tommy was a fantastic dancer, something that brought him to his soulmate, Margaret. In 1965, at the Carousel Ballroom on Van Ness Avenue in San Francisco, Tommy met Margaret Teahan. They married on October 14, 1967 and settled on 17th Avenue, next door to Margaret's sister Mary, her husband John Joe, and their sons. Their union was one for the ages –– one of true love and respect, where they never left each other's side even until the very end. Tommy was part of the Irish American community of San Francisco and a charter member of the United Irish Cultural Center. For 34 years, he was a proud member of the Bakers Union Local 24 where he served as Sergeant of Arms. Throughout the years he made many neighbors happy, bringing home warm sourdough bread. His greatest job was as father to Brian and Deirdre. He was a fun and playful dad who enjoyed playing sports and taking them on many adventures whether it be jet skiing, sledding, amusement parks, or creek-walking on warm vacation days.
Tommy was a true fighter in life and in his health - he miraculously beat the odds over and over again to stay with us as long as he could. We are thankful to his nephrologist, Dr. Leonid Yankulin, for over 20 years of excellent medical care and friendship.
We would like to thank family and friends for supporting Tommy in life and in his passing. He had a beautiful life, one he was very grateful for. He was a remarkable man, husband, and father. We will love and remember him forever.
Tommy's life will be celebrated with a visitation on Friday, June 16 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Cecilia Church, 2555 17th Avenue, San Francisco with a Funeral Mass at 10:30 am. Interment immediately following at Holy Cross Cemetery and reception to follow.