Lester Raymond Kennedy Sr.

On Monday, December 6, 2021, Lester (Les) Raymond Kennedy (Sr.) - beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend - died at his Metairie home at the age of 90. As his legacy he leaves his loving and devoted wife of 71 years, Doris Madary Kennedy; his beloved children Leslie Ciolino (Ronnie), Lester Kennedy, Jr. (Diane), Kirk Kennedy (Tricia), Patrick Kennedy (Pam) and son-in-law Barry Theriot. Les (PawPaw) is also survived by 14 grandchildren, Jeff, Brad and Kevin Ciolino, Aaron and Shane Kennedy, Jill Gaudet, Brian and Daniel Theriot and Mary Theriot Foster, Krystal and Kirk Jr. Kennedy, Michael, Matthew and Emily Kennedy; 16 great grandchildren, Jeremy Jared and Jena Gaudet, Zoe Kennedy Weber, Brison and Emma Theriot, Riley and Sophie Ciolino, Elijah and Lucy Ciolino, Quinn Austin, Grant and Gray Foster, Paisley Theriot, Wylds Kennedy, Wells Ciolino; as well as many other family and friends.

Lester is preceded in death by his nine siblings, daughter Christy Kennedy Theriot and his infant baby son.

Born in New Orleans on March 6, 1931 son of the late John A. Kennedy and Catherine Arthurs Kennedy, Lester was the youngest of ten siblings. He was a graduate of Warren Easton High School and Tulane University where he excelled in athletics. At Warren Easton he received All Prep, All State honors and was inducted into the Warren Easton Hall of Fame in 1999. Les was also named the first recipient of the New Orleans Athletic Club -Outstanding Athlete of New Orleans for 1949. While at Tulane he was a rare three sport performer lettering in football, baseball and track & field. Les left his biggest mark on the football field serving as captain of the 1953 team. In 1951 he led the Southeastern Conference in interceptions and played in the 1953 Blue-Gray game. In 1994 Lester was inducted into the Tulane Athletic Hall of Fame.

Following graduation from Tulane Lester took a position as the head coach of several sports at Cathedral High School in Lafayette Louisiana before beginning his 30+ year career in the oil & gas business with Shell Oil Company.

Always the “leader” and “role model” during his fruitful life, Les never passed up the opportunity to use his time and talents by working to make the world a better and more spiritual place. Lester served as follows:

• President of the New Orleans Football Official Association.

• Awarded the Saint Louis Medallion by the Archdiocese of New Orleans.

• Catholic Religion teacher

• An active member of the Knights of Columbus where he served as Grand Knight of the Edward Stoulig SR Council.

• An active member of the SERRA Club (a group focused on increasing Catholic vocations).

• Various boards and organizations at both St. Lawrence and St. Philip Neri parishes.

He loved his family and never wavered in his deep conviction and faith in his Lord Jesus. Lester was a very special man. We have all been very blessed to have had Les in our lives. He was a wonderful patriarch and role model and he has left a legacy that will have a positive impact on this world for many years to come.

The world was made a better place for having been blessed with the life of Lester Raymond Kennedy.

Services will be held on Friday, December 10, 2021 at St. Philip Neri Church, 6500 Kawanee Ave Metairie, LA 70003. Visitation will begin at 10:00AM followed by a service at 12:00PM.

The family invites you to share fond memories and condolences online at www.lakelawnmetairie.com