Raised in Leominster, at home in Marblehead, he was the beloved son of the late George and Alma (Davis) Kennedy. He was a 1966 graduate of Leominster High School and received his bachelor’s degree in Textile Engineering from Lowell Technological Institute in 1970, where he was a member of ROTC. He entered the US Air Force and served in Thule, Greenland and Colorado Springs at Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Base as a 1st Lieutenant in Air and Space Defense during the Vietnam War.
In 2002, Dave retired from National Grid USA (formerly New England Electric System) as Vice President of Human Resources and Corporate Officer after a proud career of over 30 years with the company. Dave rose through the ranks from spending summers reading meters as a college student, to Merrimack Valley District Manager in Andover, to Vice President. At the time he was promoted, he was the youngest vice president in the company’s history. He helped direct National Grid through three mergers and acquisitions. In addition, he graduated from Harvard Business School’s Program for Management Development, an international program for top executives. Throughout his career, he was involved in many community programs, including leading United Way campaigns.
Dave was an avid sailor who spent his summers on the water sailing his beautiful 38-foot Sabre, Foggy Dew. He captained the US sailing team at the Isle of Wight for National Grid’s David Jefferies Sailing Challenge in England. His children have many fond memories of overnight sails to Nantucket and Misery Island. When the weather turned cold, he would trade waves for slopes and spent his winters skiing at his second home in Frisco, CO where he also had many friends.
Dave was the loving father of Eileen Kennedy of County Mayo, Ireland, Daniel Kennedy of Salem, Michael Kennedy of Somerville, and Matthew Kennedy of Indianapolis, IN; the stepfather of Lauren (Berardino) Swenson and her husband, Kyle of Billerica who are expecting their first son; the dear brother-in-law of Kathleen (Houston) Blackwell and her husband, James and uncle to their son Adam Blackwell of Needham; and the cherished cousin of Phyllis Chiampa, Paula Fowlie and Janet Mays. He is also survived by many relatives and dear friends around the country. He was followed soon after his passing by his faithful cat Coco and we take comfort in knowing that they are together.
Due to pandemic restrictions, current funeral services and burial are private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Dave’s memory to Wounded Warrior Project or Special Olympics, via the websites listed below.
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