The obituary, shown below, was originally published in the April 21, 2014
issue of
The Daily Local News (West Chester, PA).
Spencer B. Kennedy Jr. USN Ret., formerly of Landenberg
Spencer B. Kennedy, Jr. USN, Ret., 90, passed away peacefully at home on April 18, 2014 surrounded by his beloved wife and family. Spencer leaves behind his loving wife of 70 years, Jeanne D. Kennedy (West); his five loving daughters, Edith ‘Micki’ Weidlein (Philip), Virginia Stidoms, Donna Norris (Lee), Debra Crom (Robert), Peggy Krygier (Kenneth); his daughter-in-law, Judith Fellman, and Skipper’s longtime companion, Kathleen O’Brien; his grandchildren, Cheryl Stewart, Thomas Hogate, Philisa Weidlein-Crist, Krista Taylor, Nichole Kennedy, Brittany Petrucci, John La Forte, Joseph Owens, Julia Nutter, Chase Pickeral, Chad Crom, Stephani Blake, Spencer Crom, and Elijah ‘Taylor’ Crom; 23 great- grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his youngest siblings, Tim Kennedy and Patsy Dolar, along with a vast number of nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Spencer B. Kennedy Sr. and Eula G. Parsons Kennedy formerly from Sparta, N.C.; his infant daughter, Sharon Lee Kennedy; his son, Spencer B. Kennedy III, “Skipper”; and infant great-grand-daughter, Chelsea Marie Owens; and four brothers, David, Jerry, Benny and Micky. Spencer spent his life dedicated to his family and the Navy. He served during World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He retired as a Master Chief with nearly forty years of service and was known as “Chief” to his men. He was as admired and respected as any man could hope to be by the men who served under him. As recently as a few years ago, he had men who had served with him as their chief, tell him what a tremendous positive difference he had made in their military careers. He was an active member in the community, volunteering as a coach for boys Little League and a strong Leader for the Boy Scouts of America for many years. Spencer was a lifetime member of the Masonic Lodge No. 56 of Portsmouth, Va., and also a member of the Eastern Star Lodge No. 78 of Port Deposit, Md. He was an avid gardener, growing huge gardens well into his 80’s. He enjoyed supplying his entire family with fresh fruits and vegetables from Spring until Fall. Spencer loved spending time with his family and enjoyed being near the water. He enjoyed his camping trips with his brothers, son Skip and nephew Jeff. To his daughters he is a true hero. Well before hearing of women’s rights, it was he who made sure they knew they could accomplish anything they set out to do. Even though there are many, Spencer developed a special relationship with each and every one of his grandchildren. You are invited to visit with his family and friends from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Thursday, April 24th, at the Kemblesville United Methodist Church, Route 896 and Peacedale Road, Kemblesville, Pa. His funeral service will follow at 12:30 p.m. Burial will be in the adjoining church cemetery. In memory of Spencer, a contribution can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675. Online condolences may be made by visiting, www.greicocares.com Arrangements by the Cleveland & Grieco Funeral home, Avondale.