Kevin J. Kennedy

Kevin J. Kennedy Orange – Kevin J. “Kip” Kennedy, 61, of West River Street, died Saturday, July 26, 2014  after suddenly being stricken ill at the Athol Hospital.      Kip was born August 31, 1952 in Clinton, MA, the son of Russell and Ola (Harbour) Kennedy.  He grew up in Berlin, MA, graduating from Clinton High School in 1970.  He also had lived in Shirley, Fitchburg, Hubbardston, Red Cloud, NB, Athol and for the past 20 years has resided in Orange.        Kip worked as a manager for several automotive businesses, recently at Munroe Muffler in Northampton and Chicopee.  He was a faithful member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witnesses, Orange Congregation, he was an avid Red Sox fan, enjoyed all types of British automobiles.  He and his wife raised Boston Terriers, attending dog shows and also operating a grooming business.         He leaves his wife of 38 years, Vicki (Valiton) Kennedy; two sons, Kevin J. Kennedy, II and his fiancé Holly Tatro of Orange and Joey Kennedy and his wife Christina of Townsend; two daughters, Sarah Kennedy of  Orange and Jena Castillo and her husband Bill of Centereach, NY; seven grandchildren, Elizabeth, Brooklyn, Eli, Noah, Zachary, Hendricks and Rayna.  He also leaves five brothers, Russell Kennedy of Berlin, MA, Jamie Kennedy of CA, Matthew Kennedy of NH, David and Terry Kennedy both of CA; a sister, Debbie of FL and many nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by a brother and a sister and a grandson Damon.       A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, August 9, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witnesses, 185 Daniel Shays Highway, Orange, MA with Richard Leighton speaking.   Higgins-O’Connor Funeral Home, 146 Main Street, Athol  is directing arrangements.  For further information or to share a memory with the family go to: www.higginsoconnorfuneralhome.com. $(document).ready(function(){ });