Mr. George M. "Marty" Kennedy

UTICA - Mr. George M. “Marty” Kennedy, age 81, passed away peacefully and was reunited with his wife and son who awaited him, on Friday, October 28, 2022. At the time of his passing, the love of his daughter, Gina, was in his heart. Born in Utica on October 25, 1941, George was the son of the late George F. and Caroline (Arciero) Kennedy. He attended T.R. Proctor High School and was an avid history buff from a young age. A proud veteran of the United States Army, Marty honorably served his country and military duties during the Korean Conflict. He continued his patriotism through his 52-year membership in the Fort Schuyler Post #1290 of the American Legion, and his Sunday morning conversations and commentaries with fellow veterans was pleasing to his soul. More recently, Marty served as a bar steward and was more than willing and able to serve the organization. On June 23, 1962, Marty married the former Nancy G. Hankinson. They were a well-matched couple who respected and met each other’s needs and wishes. As the years passed, and they celebrated 53 years together, Marty cared for his ailing wife in a dutiful way until her passing on August 8, 2015, …and he never stopped loving her. During his career in construction, Marty was employed through the Laborers' International Union of North America Chapter #35 in Whitesboro. As he reminisced, he often spoke of the buildings that he used his skills in helping to create. This made him a ‘jack-of-many-trades’ and he was always asked for his initial advice, but before you knew it, he became the“Foreman” of the job, especially for his family and friends. On the home front, Marty was considered the proud patriarch of the family and the ‘go-to-man’ who lovingly offered advice, guidance, and a commitment to honoring traditions. As a dad, he taught his children to respect love of family and values. When he became “Papa”, his heart softened and love conquered all! His grandkids remembered his special treats, and his roles as breakfast-maker, and chauffeur to school. The long summers meant more hours and more fun, never forgetting ice cream at Nicky Doodles. Marty was also an unassuming chef, and back in the day he mastered all the favorites for the holidays, prepared with the primary ingredients of olive oil, garlic, and love! Seasonal get togethers were important, especially Christmas, to share cheer, meals, and memories. In earlier years, he frequented the fairways of local courses with his son and son-in-law. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Social Athletic Club. He enjoyed coffee with the boys at the diner on James Street - the same cast of characters Monday thru Friday - a comforting group of good friends who watched over one another. Marty’s mannerisms presented him as a well put together man in many ways: he was fiercely independent, generous to a fault, and very loving and considerate. Marty was one of a kind ~ and he will never be forgotten. He shared a personal relationship with the Lord and practiced his Catholic creed as a communicant of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church. George is survived by his beloved daughter and son-in-law, Gina M. and Dale H. Kerr; the cherished memory of his son, John F. Kennedy who passed away on October 7, 2015 and was rejoined with his mother Nancy who passed only two months prior; his daughter-in-law, Robin M. (King) Kennedy who he loved as a daughter; and his grandchildren who were the treasure of his heart and a major part of his life, Nicholas Joseph Kerr, and Kayla Rose Kerr. He will also be remembered by his sisters and brothers-in-law, Devina and Jack Giambrone, Kathleen and Thomas Bifarella, and Patty Kennedy; his brother and sister-in-law, Jack and Susan Kennedy; and his brother-in-law, Angelo J. Giacovelli. He was predeceased by his brother and sister-in-law, Joseph George and Mary Ann Kennedy; and his sister, Georgianna J. Giacovelli. He also leaves a number of nieces, especially Gina True who was close to his heart; nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Tom and Janet Hankinson; and his late sister-in-law, Bonnie Hare. Marty was always a man who invited people into his heart and life, and his true friends were a blessing to him…Thank you, my good buddies, for being so kind. Marty was blessed with a wonderful neighbor, Tim Hajdasz, who always kept a watchful eye over him. In addition, he was graced to have numerous excellent physicians who tended to him. Marty’s family is especially appreciative to the MVHS Rehabilitation and Nursing Center for their outstanding care; as well as to the dedicated staff of the Dialysis Unit at the MVHS Faxton Campus. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 2, 2022, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. George’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Thursday, November 3, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. from the funeral home and at 11:00 a.m. at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church, 422 Tilden Ave., where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered with Military Honors conferred by the U.S. Army. Interment will follow in St. Agnes Cemetery where he will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife, Nancy.

Mr. George M. "Marty" Kennedy

October 25, 1941 - October 28, 2022