CELEBRATION OF LIFE

Jon Kenneth Kennedy

Sunrise

November 15, 1960

Sunset

July 12, 2018

Friday, July 27, 2018

Viewing: 9:00am until Mass: 10:30am

Holy Redeemer Catholic Church

206 New York Avenue NW

Washington, DC 20001

Reverend David A. Bava, Pastor and Celebrant

On November 15, 1960, Jon Kenneth Kennedy was born to Thomas and Jean Kennedy in Washington,

DC. He was their first child. Jon spent his early years in Culpeper, VA until it was time for him to go to

school.

Jon was the oldest of one sister and two brothers. He was raised by Orlando (Pops) and Jean (Mom) in

the Woodridge Community of NE DC.

Jon attended Holy Redeemer Elementary School where he played basketball and graduated with Honors

in 1974. Then he attended DeMatha Catholic High School where he lettered in football and track until his

graduation in 1978. Jon was a three year starter on the varsity football team where he earned All-

Conference honors as a senior.

At DeMatha, Jon became affectionately known as “Big Jon” for his play on the field and personality off

it.

Jon accepted a football scholarship to play for James Madison University where he studied Business

Management.

After JMU, Jon began his professional career with the Department of Defense as an Analyst at Fort

McNair. After several years with the federal government, Jon left for the private and the entrepreneur sec-

tors.

Always smiling, Big Jon would set an entire room aglow with his smile and charm.

Over the years, Big Jon made many friends and kept everybody active. From playing softball with his

“Home Boys” team in several leagues to bowling in the winter months. Big Jon kept busy and kept his

friends busier.

Big Jon’s happiest moment was the birth of his son, Jon. Big Jon enjoyed fatherhood and loved raising

his son. He coached, mentored and guided Jon over the years.

Big Jon was preceded in death by his father, Orlando (Pops), grandmother, Leah Ellis, his great-

grandmother, Clara Ellis, his uncle, Griffin Michael Rice and numerous aunts and uncles. He is survived

by his mother, Jean, son, Jon, brothers Karl and Orlando (Sonny), sister Kimberly, nieces, Suni and So-

leil, nephew, Julian, grand-nephew Huey, aunts, Hermione Jackson, Evelyn Rice and Flora Lowe and a

host of cousins, friends and supporters.

Obituary

Opening Hymn #425 “In The Garden”

Denyce Daniels & Deacon Willis Daniels

First Reading A reading from the book of Lamentation 3:17– 26

Kimberly Lowe

Responsorial Psalm 23rd Psalm “The Lord is my Shepherd”

Billie Wilson

Second Reading A reading from the book of Revelations 21:1-5a, 6b-7

Karl Kennedy

Gospel Reading Gospel of Luke 24:1-9

Reverend David Bava, Pastor

Offertory Song ”Precious Lord”

Montrell Smith, Saxophonist

Communion Song “Amazing Grace”

Montrell Smith, Saxophonist

Meditation “Order My Steps”

Denyce Daniels & Deacon Willis Daniels

Sending Forth “Come This Far by Faith”

Order of Service

~Memories of Jon~

SO

GO

AND

RUN

FREE

`AUTHOR UNKNOWN

SO GO AND RUN FREE WITH THE ANGELS

DANCE AROUND THE GOLDEN CLOUDS

AND WE SHOULD FEEL NOTHING BUT PROUD

ALTHOUGH HE HAS TAKEN YOU FROM US

AND OUR PAIN A LIFETIME WILL LAST

YOUR MEMORY WILL NEVER ESCAPE US

BUT MAKE US GLAD FOR THE TIME WE DID HAVE

YOUR FACE WILL ALWAYS BE HIDDEN

DEEP INSIDE OUR HEARTS

EACH PRECIOUS MOMENT YOU GAVE US

SHALL NEVER, EVER DEPART

SO GO AND RUN FREE WITH THE ANGELS

AS THEY SING SO TENDERLY

AND PLEASE BE SURE TO TELL THEM

TO TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOU FOR ME

Jon

Kenneth

Kennedy

Pallbearers Jerel Brown

Anthony Doyle

Corey Doyle

Darrell Gilmore

Julian Kennedy

Deonte Miller

Chris Sullivan

George Taylor

Honorary Pallbearers

Orlando E. Lowe, III

Kenneth Morton

Rodney Walker

Kevin Wiggins

Acknowledgements

On behalf of the family, we wish to express our sincere appreciation and gratitude to all of the many friends who have said

a special prayer, spoken gentle words and supported us during this difficult time.

Your kindness has been a great source of strength to us.

May God continue to richly bless each of you for your thoughtful expressions of love.

Interment Ft Lincoln Cemetery

3401 Bladensburg Road

Brentwood, MD 20722

Repast Holy Redeemer Catholic Church

Services Entrusted to: Robinson Funeral Home , Inc.

1313 Sixth Street NW, WDC 20001

www.robinsonfuneralhomedc.com

202.387.5984