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John M. "Mike" Kennedy Jr. 75

May 13, 2023

John M. “Mike” Kennedy, Jr. 75 of Williamstown died Saturday, May 13, 2023 at his home after a short illness surrounded by his loving family. Born February 17, 1948 in Kansas City, MO, he was the son of John and Dorothy (Fenton) Kennedy. Mike moved to Williamstown as a young child and attended Williamstown schools, graduating from Mt. Greylock Regional High School in 1966. He played football under Coach Allen, where he served as captain. Following high school Mike briefly attended Nichols College. Mike received his draft notice from “Uncle Sam” in 1968 proudly serving as a medic in the US Army, obtaining the rank of Sergeant, while stationed in Ft. Meade, MD.

Mike was a very active member of American Legion Post 152., where he served as Sergeant of Arms for Military Honor Guard, Historical Officer, as well as a past Commander. He was a familiar figure at the Williamstown Memorial Day services with his large sword and deep-toned voice shouting out the commands, as well as at many local military funerals with the Post 152 Military Honor Guard.

Mike loved to fish, spending many days in his younger years fishing at Lake Champlain and participating in the annual Spring and Fall fishing trips with his fishing buddies. He collected old fishing reels and tackle and sold them in several antique stores in New England. He had a great interest in military aircraft, owning a large display of model airplanes, many made by his good friend Curt Poirot. He was a self-educated military history buff who always had a book in hand to learn more.

Mike became a police officer in Williamstown in 1970, where he would serve the community for the next 30 years. He was appointed Police Chief in 1990, serving until his retirement in 2000. He was a member of the Massachusetts Police Assoc., Western Mass. Chiefs Assoc and the Williamstown Police Association. Upon retirement Mike immediately continued his service to Williamstown when he was appointed Veterans Service Officer, a position he did with great passion to address the needs of veterans. It was a service he continued to provide up until the end. He doggedly fought with the VA, fighting for the many veterans who were dealing with the after effects of Agent Orange. His service to Veterans spread far beyond the boundaries of Williamstown, as many people would reach out to him because of his reputation as a passionate advocate for veterans.

While large in stature, as he stood 6 foot, 8 inches, with a gruff persona, he was in actuality the exact opposite. He was extremely empathetic, very loving, generous beyond a fault, drew no boundaries with who he would befriend, and always put everyone before himself. He saw the best in everyone and did his best to help those who were struggling. If you were a friend of Mike’s, especially if you were one of the lucky ones that got anointed with one of his deprecating nicknames, you had a friend for life.

Mike, also enjoyed the past three years with his wife as a “snowbird” in Nettles Island in Jensen Beach, FL, where they made many wonderful new friends and he once again pulled out his fishing poles.

Mike is survived by his wife and best friend Mary (Courtney) who he married on November 12, 1994; two stepsons Damon J. George, CPO USN of Virginia Beach, VA and Seth C. George (fiance Ashley Tremblay) of Adams, MA; stepdaughter Courtney (George) Morgenthaler (Jack Morgenthaler, LT USN) of Kailua Beach, Hawaii. He also leaves his granddaughter Amanda Reid of Pittsfield, two grandsons; Jude George and Duke George of Virginia Beach, VA; three great granddaughters Savannah, Zoey and Maia; his brother William Kennedy (Linda) of Newburyport, MA and sister Karen (Ron) Brady of Glen Rock, NJ ; brother-in- law John (Deborah) Courtney of Pittsfield and his former son-in-law Steven Reid of CT. In addition, he leaves his stepmother, Naomi Kennedy of Jupiter, FL, two step-sisters Cyndi McDonald and Cathy Crosby and stepbrother Roger Cleworth, all of Florida.

Mike was predeceased by his parents, his in-laws, John D. and Lois Courtney, his daughter Bonnie J. Kennedy, and two granddaughters, Isla George and Jessica Reid.

FUNERAL NOTICE: A graveside service will be held on Thursday, June 1, 2023 at 12:30 PM with full military & law enforcement honors in Eastlawn Cemetery in Williamstown. A Celebration of Life will immediately follow at Bloom Meadows, 2422 Hancock Rd, Hancock, MA from 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to Mount Greylock Regional High School which will be used to create an athletics fund to help supply athletic equipment to students in need. Mike requested this to honor one of his favorite people, his high school football coach and friend John Allen. Cards of condolences and memorial contributions may be mailed directly to Flynn and Dagnoli Funeral Home, 74 Marshall St., North Adams, MA 01247. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com.

Recollections & Sympathy For the Family
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As I sit and read ALL of the wonderful thoughts and prayers written about Mike , here is what comes to my mind,Bigger than life, compassionate, kind, caring, gentle, considerate, polite, in his own unique way Mike was all of these qualities and more! Mike and all of the nick names he gave to you ( IF) he liked you, was a big part of having Mike as a loyal friend. All of us in town will miss him deeply. RIP--Norm Quinn
from: Mike Kennedy	on: 05-31-2023

I am truly lost for words on Mike's passing. There are so many things I could say but I think we all know what a special guy Mike was. He was the real deal on so many levels and to be honest they don't make them like him anymore. I hope he is at peace and I hope his family finds peace with so many special memories. I will miss you Mike, and I am sure that heaven is a better place with you in it.
from: Pam Sisto	on: 05-31-2023

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. Mike was an amazing man who helped so many with regards to the military. He was a "gentle giant" and a man with a pure heart. Mile helped our son so much when he returned from Iraq, Our son also had the pleasure of one of Mike's nicknames - Frog! May Mike rest in pease and know he will be missed by so many. He was and will always be "the best of the best".
from: The Filiault Family	on: 05-23-2023

I knew Mike from days at Mt. Greylock HS. He was always friendly and kind. Although our paths didn't cross that often, when they did, he always remembered me. He was a great Chief of Police and served the town well. We'll ,miss you Mike.
from: Robert Y Burns	on: 05-20-2023

I can relate to many of the earlier comments praising Mike for his work with veterans. He helped me pursue the process to receive my Purple Heart with his continual encouragement. This was another instance of his making sure the VA did the right thing. All the best to Mary and Damon.
from: Peter Haviland	on: 05-19-2023

I can remember the first time I met Mike. I was probably 5 years old when my Father brought me to the Chiefs office. I remember Mike in his white uniform. Mike and I had our own hand gesture that he created. That hand gesture was the shaking of his fist with a funny comment. I can remember playing in the yard when I was a kid and Mike would drive by in his van. Mike would cruise by with his fist shaking at me out the window with a grin. I would always return the shaking of my fist with a laugh. Just a short time ago I saw Mike and when he saw me the first thing he did was shake his fist at me. There are so many memories I could say about Mike, but one thing for sure is how much he cared for his community. Thank you for your service and the positive impact you made on me and so many other people.
from: David Lemieux	on: 05-19-2023

Mike was a big man with a big heart. He was a dear friend and even as my toddler, years ago would look up the length of him she had the biggest smile. Mike was a good man, he loved people, he worked hard, he helped many. He will be missed. My sincere sympathy to Mary and the entire family. Sharon DeMyer Nemser and Shauna Quinn Lowe.
from: Sharon DeMyer Nemser	on: 05-19-2023

Mary..So sorry to hear about Mike. Thinking of you and wishes you well.
from: Vic and Jean	on: 05-18-2023

I grew up in williamstown where Mike was a close friend of my stepfather Al Agostini. We spent many years together at lake Champlain fishing in our annual fall and spring fish camps. Mike had a nick name for everyone, he called me baby Huey and Al, Fidel Castro. What a sense of hummer. Mike got me into fishing and we shared our love for lake Champlain with our group of fish camp members. Mike was very generous giving me numerous fishing poles and reels over the years. He took me under his wing and taught me how to clean pike and bass with no bones. What a kind generous man with a amazing sense of humor, you will be missed my friend. I will donate one of the lures you gave me to the lake in your honor my next trip up. Rest easy Mike, my condolences to your family.
from: Thomas Morton	on: 05-17-2023

Mary,so sorry to hear of your loss of Mike. He was one of the best police Chiefs we had in our town. A great friend to all. Doing tireless work for our veterans, serving our country both military and through our police department. His dedication was top notch. We will certainly miss him. Please accept our sincere condolences.
from: Mike Haley,Pat LaValley and Chris LaValley	on: 05-17-2023

I first met Mike when I was a student in 1973. He made quite an impression. He was the best example of a small town police officer and Chief I ever knew, and I’m grateful I was able to spend a little time with him in the last few years. He will be missed.
from: Tony Boskovich	on: 05-17-2023

Mary, Mike was a good man who did good things personally and professionally. He was one of my favorites during my time as a Williamstown journalist. My thoughts are with you and the family at this time.
from: Susan Bush	on: 05-17-2023

Mike was a very special person. He was the only person my dad opened up to about his WWII experience fighting on the ground in Europe. Mike was able to explain to me what my dad had experienced. My dad had not accepted any of his medals. Mike ordered them all and gave them to him. After my dad passed he would stop in and visit with my mom. Mike told me that my dad asked him to look after his girl when he past.
from: Mark Iacuessa	on: 05-17-2023

Oh boy where to start. Mike used to call me “Joe Schmo” as a teenager and carefully watched over me as I learned later in life. He tracked my military career and each time I visited Williamstown to see family, I always stopped by to see Mike. We would sit on his porch and drink a Genesse “Genny” and talk about the army. He was so enthralled by the stories and shared with me all the veterans initiatives he was working on. He drove veterans to VA appointments, fought for benefits, participated in legion activities, led the charge for the memorial with all vets past and presents names…a true patriot for the community and country. Mike loved people, especially those in Williamstown. As the Chief of Police, he obviously had to be the face of law and order in the community, but he truly cared for everyone. He was fair and impartial and as a teen he gave me some tough love from time to time. Our friendship grew as I left and pursued my military career and I saw a side of him I didn’t while I was younger. He gave the Williamstown community everything he had and we are better for having Mike Kennedy as our Police Chief, fellow citizen and friend. I will miss you Mike! Army Strong!
from: Jody Heikkinen	on: 05-17-2023

Dear Mary and family, I’m so very very sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. I loved that man. When my sons were younger we lived next door to Mike. His large stature and booming voice sort of intimidated them, but he could not have been kinder to them. In recent years he always gave me a big bear hug when ever I saw him. He will always be remembered by me and my boys. Rest in peace big Mike. Love from the McNicols.
from: Pauline McNicol	on: 05-17-2023

I'm so sorry Mary. Mike and I were good friends from about age 12. I think after high school we didn't keep in touch and only bumped into each other at occasional Memorial Days. Something I always deeply regretted. I always wanted to just hang out with the guy. My loss. Sorry Mike.
from: Bob Ouellette	on: 05-17-2023

My condolences to Mike’s family and friends. His dedication to our country and community was second to none. He was the quintessential cops cop and will be missed by many and a great loss to the veterans that he vigorously helped day in and day out. God speed ??
from: Arthur Barbeau	on: 05-17-2023

Mary and family, I'm so sorry for your loss and I send my deepest condolences. Mike was a great person.I remember when Mike and my Dad Wes Pecor used to take my son Heat fishing with them .My son and some of his buddies got in some trouble and he took him under his wing.Mikes belief was catch them while they are young so it doesn't escalate. That was the last time he got in trouble. Rest in Peace Mike,I bet you and my Dad are fishing right now .Until we meet again
from: Cindy (Pecor)Schneider	on: 05-17-2023

So very sorry for your loss...he was very sweet, engaging and was very good to my son...
from: MaryEllen Morrissey	on: 05-17-2023

Mary and Family, So sorry for your loss, I was shocked at hearing of Mikes passing on Monday morning. Mike was such a positive person for the community. When I think of words to describe Mike I think of Leader, confident and friend. Mike was always there providing encouragement for me when I was on the job., or when we were playing softball. May he rest in peace.
from: Ellen & Craig Millard	on: 05-17-2023

Mary and family, So very sorry to hear about Mikes passing. He was a good man. Cindy Noel
from:	on: 05-17-2023

Mary, we are so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. He was, without question, one of Williamstown's best ambassadors ever. He was a policeman's policeman; gruff looking to a law breaker but congenial, warm, and fun to his friends. RIP Mike...you're one of the best.
from: Skeets abd Bo Richards	on: 05-17-2023

Mary, sorry to hear about Mike. He was one of a kind, passionate about everything he did and as honest as they come.. Enjoyed my years playing football with him and the good times with John Allen. He will be sorely missed by all of Williamstown.. May he rest in peace ? Kim
from: Kim Chapman	on: 05-16-2023

Goodbye, my friend...may Saint Peter be ready for you...
from: Herman Bishop	on: 05-16-2023

Mike will be missed by all who were lucky enough to know him. Quoting the author of his obituary “ he drew no boundaries with whom he would befriend” may be the best compliment a person can get…and that is so Mike. Condolences Mary and his entire family.
from: Roger St Pierre	on: 05-16-2023

Mike was a one of a kind and larger than life. He doggedly pursued my father's Purple Heart 50 years after is should have been presented and became a true confidant who my father was able to share the stories of war as a tail gunner during WW11. Mike's passing leaves a hole in the memories of those of us who grew up here in Williamstown.
from: Patrick Quinn	on: 05-16-2023