Emmy Award winner Francis Joseph Kennedy, Jr. , “Frank” , passed away on April 3rd, 2021 after a long illness. Frank was born on August 11th, 1936 to Francis Joseph Kennedy, Sr., and Margaret Connelly Kennedy in the Bronx, New York. The oldest of 7 children, Frank attended St. Simon Stock School & High School, and then attended Iona College. After serving as a U.S Army Sargent, his first occupations included working for General Motors Overseas Operations, the job of Senior House Manager of Radio City Music Hall, and then it was on to the NBC television network where he had an illustrious, 3 time Emmy award winning , 40 year career. Frank began as a camera man and then became a highly skilled Senior Video Tape Editor for both NBC Sports and the NBC News division, including Today & NBC Nightly News.
Frank is survived by his wife of 53 years, Mary Lou Barnes Kennedy, and his daughters Lorraine Kennedy Williams and Tara Kennedy. He is also survived by his siblings Patricia Cunneen, Gail McInerney (John) & Gerard Kennedy (Eileen) and Kevin Kennedy. He is preceded in death by his brothers Tom Kennedy, William Kennedy and brother-in-law Tom Cunneen. He is loved by his sisters-in-law Nancy Quinn (Brian) and Patricia Barnes, and brothers-in-law Jeff Barnes (Susan) and Chris Barnes (Jacqui). He also leaves behind the loves of his life, his 8 grandchildren, Ian, Sean & Chelsea Williams, and Alexis, Madison, Taylor, Peyton and Elliot Fishman, along with numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews.
Frank continued his passion for videography and photography until his final days, and his grandchildren were his favorite subjects. Frank was a voracious reader, and had a passion for the arts, most especially music, movies, television and theater. His favorite hobby was creating remarkable home movies of his grandchildren set to the most beautiful and fitting music. Frank’s favorite location was at the Jersey Shore’s “Irish Riviera” in Spring Lake, N.J. The beach and ocean air would bring him much tranquility and happiness each summer with his family.
Frank had a wicked sense of humor, incredible insight & instinct, strength combined with just the right amount of sensitivity, a beautiful smile, a great laugh, and an incredible work ethic. While his innate talent added so much to the world of television, he will more importantly be remembered for his devotion as a loving, selfless husband, father and grandfather who fiercely protected everyone he loved.
Calling Hours at the Fred H. McGrath & Son, Funeral Home, Bronxville between the hours of 2 to 5 pm, Sunday and 9 to 10:30am Monday. Mass of Christian Burial, Annunciation Church, Crestwood on Monday, April 12 at 11:30am.
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Jerry Kennedy says
April 6, 2021 at 11:58 pmRest in Peace Dear Brother. I will miss you forever.
Tara Kennedy says
April 7, 2021 at 10:22 amI love you Dad. We miss you so much . Our hearts are broken.
Margaret, Bob, Andy & Matt says
April 7, 2021 at 12:57 pm“May the road rise up to meet you, “ Frank. You will be greatly missed . We are saddened to lose you but glad for the times we have spent with you. You will live on in the beautiful faces of your children & grandchildren.
Diann Catino says
April 8, 2021 at 7:50 amMarylou, Tara and family, please accept our heartfelt condolences on the passing of your beloved husband,father and grandfather.I know how much he adored all of you.He was loved and respected by more people then he could ever imagine. I can still recal when I first met him at RCMH. He had such a presence! Such a kind,full of joy man, that I was honored to meet. May he rest in peace and may all of you be comforted by all the special,wonderful memories you had top ether. Love, Diann and Richy Catino
Donna McCarthy says
April 9, 2021 at 5:49 pmSo sorry for your loss. Frank was a icon at Nbc. Truly missed when he retired. Loved his stories and devotion to his family, rip Frank.
Melanie Rock says
April 7, 2021 at 3:09 pmRest in Peace my dear friend. My favorite Irish Man. I will miss you till we meet again!
Jeff Fishman says
April 7, 2021 at 4:18 pmFrank,
I will miss your warm smile and laughter.
You made this world a Better place for all of us.
Rest In Peace
Love,
Jeff
Kristine Kotoff-Quart says
April 7, 2021 at 6:31 pmLorraine, you and your family have my deepest sympathy. From that beautiful tribute, I would say he had a life well-lived and well-loved. May his memory be forever a blessing to all who knew him.
Kathleen Kennedy Pagano says
April 8, 2021 at 12:51 pmTo my beloved cousin and godfather Frank
I will always remember your sweet smile and warm and loving big hugs, forever in my heart
My heartfelt sympathy to mary Lou, Lorraine and Tara and family and my cousins
Ro says
April 9, 2021 at 10:57 amMy heartfelt condolences to the Kennedy family on the loss of your dear brother.
Bea Adorn;o says
April 9, 2021 at 11:35 amCondolences to the Kennedy family – So sorry to hear of Frank’s passing. I knew Frank for many years @ NBC 30 Rock and such a wonderful human being. He will be missed dearly.
Ann and Dennis says
April 9, 2021 at 4:08 pmI will mostly remember Cousin Frank from our Radio City Days: Frank’s tux, being taller than most in the lobby, and red beacon on top (Dude). Will also miss his regular call to check up on our family. Condolences and love from all our family to Mary Lou and all my cousins.
ann callanan says
April 10, 2021 at 5:48 amSincere sympathies to all from the Callanans Ann , Richard and Jim
Anna May Wines Arenella says
April 10, 2021 at 12:29 pmRest in peace, Frank. So saddened by your passing. Your long time classmate and friend, Anna May Wines Arenella.
Jill Rappaport says
November 19, 2022 at 12:18 amI just heard the very sad news about the loss of Frank.
I had the privilege of working with him at NBC.
He was my favorite editor in the world, as we would rally into the wee hours of the morning making sure my pieces we’re truly magical!
And even though I would drive him crazy with a million suggestions and music choices he always loved the final result as much as I did! I can still see Frank tapping his toe and waving his finger to the beat of all the crazy music I used in my stories!
But nothing came close to the love he had for his family. Frank would go on and on about his beautiful wife and daughter Tara-and he got so excited when he thought I could get a St.John dress wholesale for his wife!
He was one in 1 million And will truly be missed…
Fred H McGrath & Son, Inc. is a third generation; family owned and operated Funeral Home. Located in the Village of Bronxville, the McGrath family has been serving the surrounding communities of Bronxville, Eastchester, Tuckahoe, Mt. Vernon, Yonkers and Scarsdale since 1918.
Location
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Bronxville, NY 10708
Phone: (914) 337-6770
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