Stephen M. "Steve" Kennedy Obituary (1941 - 2022)

WEST HARWICH, MA--Stephen M. Kennedy, of West Harwich, MA and Pembroke, NH, formerly of Dunbarton, NH, passed away on Wednesday, October 12, 2022, after a sudden illness. Born in Paterson, NJ on July 24, 1941, Steve was the son of Pat and Anne Kennedy. Steve is the beloved husband of Jackie Kennedy of West Harwich, MA and loving Dad to Neil Kennedy of Manchester, NH; Geoffrey and Eileen (Mullen) Kennedy of Pembroke, NH; Jocelyn Kennedy and Seth Beecher of Farmington, CT; and Ashley Williams, stationed at RAF Mildenhall, UK. He was the best "Papa" to Patrick and Margaret Rose Kennedy, Kennedy Lamson, Adrianna Williams, Hannah Kennedy, Bram Kennedy and Zoe Dominguez, and three great grandchildren. He is also survived by his faithful dog Kipper, and the countless friends around the globe that he leaves behind. Steve served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1959 to 1963. The consummate salesman, he may have tried to sell you something at your front door. Steve proudly served on the Board of Selectman in Dunbarton, N.H. where he was also an EMT and member of the Volunteer Fire Department. You may have seen him in one of many musical productions with the Concord Community Players. He was usually the one in drag. The professional role he loved the most was serving the State of New Hampshire as Commissioner of Administrative Services under Governor John H. Sununu. The Commish believed in doing right by people, treating every one he encountered with fairness, kindness, and respect. He was the tough guy with a big heart. Steve Kennedy was larger than life. Known for his boisterous personality, gift of song, and the unique ability to befriend anyone in the room, Steve would talk to anyone, at any time, about anything. He was best known for his unfailing kindness toward others. Steve was always ready with open arms to offer a hand up, sound advice, or a big hug. Steve was passionate about many things in life: his family, his friends, politics, baseball, and his collection (www.1939baseball.com). He was most passionate about memories--the stories people leave behind often found in the small items in their top bureau drawer. He was dedicated to serving as a custodian of these objects, preserving the stories of other collectors, and keeping their memory alive by passing their stories on. Throughout his life, Steve instilled this same passion in others...his memories live on in all of us. Calling Hours will be held on Tuesday, October 18th from 5 to 7 P.M. in The Roan Family Funeral Home, 167 Main St. in Pembroke. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, October 19th at 10 A.M. in St. John the Baptist Church in Allenstown. Burial will follow in Blossom Hill Cemetery, Concord. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the National Federation of the Blind or to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.roanfamilyfuneral.com