Donald Vincent Kennedy

January 9, 1936 – December 1, 2016

Orlando, FL

Donald Vincent Kennedy, 80, died Thursday, December 1 at Cornerstone Hospice and Palliative Care at Orlando Regional Medical Center.

He leaves his wife of 60 years, Flora (Santos) Kennedy; his daughter Karyn (Kennedy) Lindsey; son-in-law, T. Anthony Lindsey; granddaughter, Simone Michelle Lindsey; grandson, Graham Avery Lindsey and many nieces, nephews, cousins, close friends and neighbors.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York he is the son of Augustus Kennedy and Rose (Price) Kennedy. Donald was the youngest child with five older sisters. Donald was baptized on April 28, 1940 at the Church of St. John the Baptist. He graduated from George-Westinghouse Vocational High School in June 1953. After high school Donald met the love of his life, Flora Santos at the roller rink. His nickname for her was “Flossie”. Donald and Flora entered holy matrimony on September 1, 1956 at St. Paul’s Church.

Donald served in the United States Army from November 1959 to February 1962 where he reached the rank of SP4. After military service Donald began working in the construction industry and he worked as Laborer until his retirement in 1987. He was a proud member of the Building, Concrete, Excavating & Common Laborers Union for over 50 years and worked on landmark structures in New York including the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, Robert Moses Causeway and many other tunnels and roadways.

Donald and Flora had one child, Karyn Louise, in 1963. They moved from Brooklyn to North Babylon, New York in 1969. As a proud homeowner Donald developed a passion and knack for landscaping and gardening. Donald loved dogs, great desserts and listening to old Doo-wop hits from the 1950’s. From a young age Donald loved cars and won many trophies as a drag racer. He took great pride in his cars.

In 1993 Donald and Flora retired and moved to Orlando, FL and became proud residents of Hunters Creek. During retirement Donald and Flora enjoyed spending times with family and friends and experiencing all the attractions and entertainment available at the Disney parks and other Orlando attractions. He enjoyed the family and friends that would visit Orlando and he loved entertaining by the pool.

During his later years Donald was a devoted caregiver to his wife Flora. When he could not get out and about as much, he enjoyed visits from his grandchildren, friends and neighbors. In 2016 Donald became a resident of Westminster Towers Orlando along with his wife Flora. There he became one of the favorite residents to many of the nurses and staff.

Donald is preceded in death by his mother, Rose (Price) Kennedy; father, Augustus Kennedy; sisters, Beatrice (Kennedy) McNeil, Joan (Kennedy) Hinton, Augusta Kennedy, Billie (Kennedy) Freeman and Francis (Kennedy) Baily.

Donald’s memorial service will be held on Thursday, December 22 at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers the family invites you to please make a donation to the Central and North Florida Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association to help support research and local programs that support caregivers.

Donate online to Alz.org

Or

Donate by phone: 1.800.272.3900

Donate by mail:

Send a check to:

Alzheimer’s Association

Central & North Florida Chapter

2180 W State Road 434, Suite 1100

Longwood, FL 32779

Condolences may be offered at www.familyfuneralcareorlando.com.