Chief John J. “Jack” Kennedy, USN QMC Retired, 85, of Branford, died May 11 at Connecticut Hospice, Branford, after a long illness. He was the husband for 63 years of Marilyn Schlosser Kennedy. Jack was born July 3, 1928, in New Haven, son of the late Joseph T. and Margaret Kiernan Kennedy.

He entered the Navy on August 16, 1945, as a Seaman, Third Class. In his many years of service, Chief Kennedy served on the stations of the Naval Recruit Training Center in Sampson, New York; Fleet Boat Pool, Long Island, New York; Casco Bay, Maine; and the Naval Reserve Training Center in New Haven. He also served sea duty onboard ships, USS L S M 515; USS Keywadin (ATA 213); USS Avenge (MSO 423); USS Argonaut (SS 475); USS Kittiwake (ASR 13); USS DeSoto County (LST 1173); USS Yamacraw (ARC 5); USS Graham County (LST 1176); USS Mt. McKinley (AGC 7); and USS Exultant (MSO 441). For his final duty in the Navy he served as Lead Petty Officer and Assistant Navigator aboard the USS Turkey (MSCO-56).

While in the Navy, Chief Kennedy received many awards, including three awards of commendation and a bronze star, among them a commendation for rescuing an injured fellow seaman who was knocked overboard while at sea; another for outstanding performance of duty; and his third, which he received aboard the USS Turkey, read, “For outstanding performance of duty as Petty Officer in Charge of the nucleus crew of the USS Turkey.” On July 26, 1967, after 22 years in the U.S. Navy, he retired from active duty with the rank of Chief Quartermaster, USN.

After retiring, he continued to serve the Navy as counselor and instructor for the Junior Naval Cadets of America on Cadet Ship Tigrone in New Haven. He was a proud member of the Fleet Reserve Association for 60 years. He then went on to work for the U.S. Postal Service as a letter carrier in Branford for 22 years until his retirement. Jack was a communicant of St. Mary Church in Branford, where he served as an usher at the Saturday Vigil Mass for 38 years. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Eldorado Council #10 in Branford since 1975, serving as Grand Knight from 1982 to 1984, and presently serving as Chancellor. During that time he could also be found calling the Bingo numbers every Thursday evening, something he enjoyed thoroughly.

He was named Knight of the Year in 1994, and received the James T. Reynolds Award for lifetime service to the council and church in 2010. Jack was a member of American Legion Post 83 in Branford and was Past Deputy Commander. He received the Connecticut Wartime Veterans Service Medal. In 2007 he served as Grand Marshall for the Branford Memorial Day Parade. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans and a member of the St. Mary’s Bowling League. He was also a proud member of the Branford Compassion Club. He also volunteered at Seniornet, where he found great pleasure in sharing his knowledge of the computer with fellow seniors. Jack loved to watch his beloved Red Sox and New England Patriots whenever they played. He was also a great fan of the UConn Huskies boys and girls teams.

Besides his wife, Jack is survived by 7 children, Kim (Daniel) Santagata of Branford; Laurel (Kenneth) Hatfield of Kentucky, Kevin (Frances) Kennedy of North Branford, Lynn (James) Torony of Southbury, Debra Kennedy of Branford, Brian (Eileen) Kennedy and Karen Geosits, both of North Branford; 15 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers Joseph and Richard Kennedy.

Friends may call May 14 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 North Main St., Branford, and are invited to a Mass of Christian burial May 15 at 9:30 a.m. in St. Mary Church. Burial, with military honors, will follow in St. Agnes Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the Branford Compassion Club, P.O. Box 768, Branford, CT 06405. For directions and an online memorial, please visit www.wsclancy.com.