John W. Kennedy

John “Jack” W. Kennedy, 89, of Holden, died on Thursday, October 12, 2023, at Rose Monahan Hospice in Worcester.  He was the oldest of seven children and the son of James P. Kennedy and Mary Jamieson Kennedy.

Born in Cumberland, Rhode Island, he graduated from high school in 1951, and then went on to seminary in Canada and Baltimore. From 1959-1969 he served as priest at parishes in Harrisville, Pawtucket, Cranston and Newport.

After leaving the priesthood, Jack went on to his next adventure becoming a psychologist for the State of Massachusetts and marrying Gloria. They were full of fun and shared their lives for the next fifty years. Never a dull moment, they would pack up their motor home with three golden retrievers and hit the road on many a summer day.

They lived on the Cape. Jack loved being by the ocean. He fished, scalloped and took his boat out to check his lobster traps.

Back in Holden he grew blueberries for his pies and became in awe of the monarch butterfly. I think he felt like they were his children. He played golf and painted beautiful watercolors. In retirement he drove a limo for Knight’s, and claimed that of all his jobs, that was his favorite.

Jack was a loyal “friend of Bills” for over four decades and was an inspiration to so many. They were his buddies.

Jack carved an impressive path of bucking societal expectations and taking personal challenges head on.  He could have stayed in the cloth but wanted to guide others outside it.  He was generous and kind and we were lucky to share this life with him.

He is survived by his sister Mary Kennedy of Milton, Ma, and brother Michael Kennedy of Narragansett, R.I. Stepchildren, Judith Rollinson of Westborough, Luci Buckner of Asheville, John Rollinson of Northampton and Steve Rollinson of Japan. Many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Besides his wife, he is predeceased by siblings James, Dennis, Clare Kennedy and Margaret Deslaurier.

A private graveside gathering will be held at Pine Grove Cemetery in Westborough, MA.