John Joseph Kennedy

On Friday, January 15th, J. Joseph Kennedy passed away at his home in Dunwoody at the age of 69, with his loving wife by his side. Joe was born on November 17, 1946 to the late Orian and Margaret Kennedy in Camden, NJ. Early in his childhood the family moved to St. Petersburg, FL where he graduated from high school in 1965.
While in high school he met the love of his life, Nancy. They married in 1969 after his graduation from the University of South Florida. Soon afterward, Joe joined the Army where he served 3 years and attained the rank of First Lieutenant. After his service ended, he attended and graduated from The Emory University School of Law.
Joe practiced law for 40+ years in the Atlanta area first in various firms and eventually in his own practice. In his spare time Joe enjoyed traveling, spending time with family and friends, being cantankerous and playing silly games with his grandchildren.
Joe is survived by his devoted wife of 46 years, Nancy, children; Edward and Carl, daughter-in-law, Amy, siblings: Richard, Michael, Hank, Maggie, and 4 grandchildren. A private celebration of Joe’s life will be held for family and friends at a later date. He will be deeply missed. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Longleaf Hospice Foundation: 2310 Parklake Dr. NE Suite 325, Atlanta, GA 30345. Online condolences may be expressed at www.csog.com.
Nancy so sorry to hear this, spent two years in the choir with Joe at Bogie, good guy, prayers for you and your family
Nancy, old high school choir friend from Bogie……I looked in the paper today and saw Joe’s picture and immediately recognized him!! The family information confirmed it was the Joe and Nancy I knew from so long ago. My recollection 50 years later is you were the most in love couple I ever knew. 46 years later confirms that too.
I found after the death of my Jay that the legacy left in memories and family carry us daily. My thoughts and prayers are with you that you will also find comfort and eventually joy in the legacy Joe left.
With sympathy and love,
Nancy O’Connor Romans-Schneider
My deep condolences. There is no way to express the gratitude for the endless kindness shown to me by both Nancy and Mr. Kennedy. He was a kind and jovial soul. I hope the family has found peace.
Dear Nancy, Ed and Carl, I am sure there is nothing more than I can say that soothes your souls at this time except that I am so sorry for your loss. Joe was a terrifically funny man and enjoyed life to the fullest. Nancy, you and Joe made me feel at home for all those years I was married to his brother. I regret not being able to say goodbye to the family I cared about during those years. Richard and Elaine made it clear to both myself and Kwai Lin we were no longer welcome in their lives, which of course cut her off from all other family ties as well. As painful as that was, she thrives in the hearts and lives of her sisters, step-brother and sister, niece and nephew. She graduated from The Univ. of Pittsburgh this past Spring and has settled into adult life in her newly adopted city.
I hope you find peace in your many memories of Joe, since he was certainly a character and could entertain everyone he met. He was a great husband and a very loving and proud father.
Fondly, Marie Kennedy Hosier
I just saw that my friend from many years, ago, had passed away. I lived in the same neighborhood as Joe and attended Bogie with him from 1962 to 1964, There was a close knit group of guys from our neighborhood who did all the things that teenage boys did, but weren’t supposed to, in the early 60’s, including an ill-fated overnight trip to Egmont Key on the day we completed our sophomore year. Joe was always a breath of fresh air, funny, kind, and a really great person. Although I last saw Joe in 1965, that does not diminish the sense of loss I feel that Joe is no longer with us. May you rest in peace, old friend.
Bert Randall