John Richard ('J.R.') Kennedy

April 14, 1934 - January 15, 2022

John Richard (“J.R.”) Kennedy, 87, passed away January, 15, 2022, in Maitland, FL. Born in Peabody, MA, J.R. grew up in Roxbury, the oldest child of the late John Kennedy and the late Florence (Driscoll) Kennedy. He dropped out of high school to help support his family after his father’s death, but he eventually earned his G.E.D. and went on to attend Northeastern University and Stanford University. He enjoyed a successful career as an executive in the telecommunications industry, living in Northern California, then Central Florida. J.R. travelled the world and had the stories to prove it. There was the time he flew to Indonesia and back for a five-hour meeting, and the time he asked Bono for his phone number and got it. But he remained, at heart, a townie who loved watching his Sox and Celtics and was leery of Republicans. J.R. is survived by his wife of nearly 35 years, Louise, of Maitland, FL; his children Monica (David) Kounter, of Guilderland, NY; Chris Kennedy, of Watertown, MA; Jessica (Anthony) Scheckton, of Niskayuna, NY; and his stepson Jon (Theresa) Swanson, of Winter Park, FL. He is also survived by his granddaughter Rebecca (Chris) Lee; his grandson Ryan Kounter, whose natural affinity for technology gave J.R. tremendous joy in his retirement years; and his constant companion, his Shih Tzu Sophie. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his sisters Arlene (“Pat”) Dooner, Kathryn Travis and Jean Marie Kennedy; his brother, Michael Kennedy; and his first wife, Joanne A. Kennedy. Arrangements are being handled by DeGusipe Funeral Home in Maitland, FL. To honor J.R.’s wishes, there will be no services. Those wishing to honor his memory are invited to donate to Fair Fight (www.fairfight.com) in support of free and fair elections for all. The family of John Richard Kennedy invites you to leave a message of condolence on the Tribute Wall created in his memory.