WILMINGTON — Thomas Joseph Kennedy Jr (51) passed away on November 12, 2022 in the arms of his wife and mother after a heroic six-year battle with metastatic male breast cancer.
Tom was born August 24, 1971 in Nyack, NY. The cherished only child to Thomas Joseph Kennedy Sr, an Orangetown New York police officer who died in the line of duty August 2, 1973, and Marguerite (Perrotto-Kennedy) DeBoyace of Congers NY.
Tom grew up surrounded by loving grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. He attended Clarkstown North high school and met a group of pals that have been by his side until the day he died. The “Congers pals“ are the most loyal and devoted group of friends and Tom love them all…just as much at he loved the NY Rangers!
Tom graduated from Saint Thomas Aquinas college with a bachelors degree in English. He wanted to teach English or be a book editor, but took a job in 1996 at Verizon wireless where he remained for 26 years, working up until his passing as a consultant of business intelligence.
In 2001 at a local hair salon he met, fell in love, and eventually married Christine Slany Kennedy on October 25, 2003. He was a beloved husband and an adored father to Mia Gerine (18) and Molly-Catherine Ida (12). Tom lived for his family. He was a dedicated provider, full of love, incredibly funny and made amazing memories that will be cherished forever. His girls were his world!
Tom spent his cancer journey spreading the word that men get breast cancer too, fighting to ensure lawmakers know the importance of safe drinking water and helping others in need. He found love and support in Going Beyond the Pink, a local non profit breast cancer support system. He would want to continue to help GBTP with donations made in his name.
He is survived by an enormous amount of family and friends and would want his memory carried on with bad dad jokes, dorky sci-fi movies, movie quotes, classic rock, smiles, kindness and love. (As well as a strong Fantasy football year and a NY Rangers Stanley cup win!)
In lieu of flowers and food, the family has asked that donations be made to the GoFundMe set up by a family friend to help support the family through this time and put money aside for the girls future.
Tom‘s book of life may be have ended, but his love and passion writes the sequels.
