Obituary of John Joseph Kennedy

John Joseph (Pike) Kennedy, 91, of Norvelt, passed away on July 11, 2023, at Westmoreland Hospital. Joe was born June 11, 1932, to John H. and Emaline (Quartz) Kennedy. Joe was an original and lifelong Norvelt B-Section resident and a graduate of Hurst High School class of 1950. He was a veteran of the Korean War having served with the Signal Corps assigned to the 9th Infantry Division. Joe studied engineering at the University of Pittsburgh and worked at ABB (formerly ITE) in both the engineering and marketing departments. He retired in 1997 with 47 years’ service and then continued as a consultant for an additional three years. Joe married Rosemary (Buzz) Hartman Kennedy on October 14, 1955. He was preceded in death by an infant brother and his sister Carrie Lou Kennedy Bair. He is survived by Buzz, and children Robert (Jacki), Helen (John) and William (Stephanie). Also, grand-children Ryan, Carolyn, Zachary, Brent, Hannah, and Eric and two nephews; David and Scott Bair. Joe enjoyed woodworking and travel. He was a member and past president of the Mt. Pleasant Township Lions Club and was a recipient of the Melvin Jones Award for his service. He was also a member of the Norvelt Fireman’s Club, the United Club, the Westmoreland Homestead Historical Society, and the Mount Pleasant Legion and VFW. He was very involved in his church as a past Sunday School teacher and council member and was currently a member of UCC in Trauger, PA. Joe’s family would like to thank the staffs of Frick and Westmoreland Hospitals and his home health care nurse, Heidi. In lieu of flowers, the family would ask for donations to either the Mount Pleasant Township Lions Club, or United Church of Christ in Trauger. Family and friends will be received from 3 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 13, 2023, in the JAY A. HOFFER FUNERAL HOME, 2245 Mt. Pleasant Road, Norvelt, PA 15674. The Mt. Pleasant Township Lions will conduct a service at 3 p.m. Thursday in the funeral home. Joe’s funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 14, 2023, in the funeral home, with Pastor David L. Greer and Rev. Dr. Dale L. Porterfield co-officiating. Interment to follow in Saint Paul Lutheran Cemetery, Trauger. www.HofferFuneralHome.com.