Steve passed away peacefully in Santa Rosa, CA on 12/2/2009 at the age of 88. He was born in Campbell, CA and moved to Hollister in 1933. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the start of World War II and proudly served aboard the USS Pennsylvania battleship. Following the war he was co-owner of A & K Motors in Hollister, he then worked at Bishop Motors in Hollister as a mechanic, before beginning a 22 year career with PG&E, retiring in 1983 as a Transportation Superintendent.
Steve loved life and was always willing and able to assist a friend. He built two beautiful ski boats by hand which were enjoyed by his family during summer vacations. Throughout his retirement Steve enjoyed tinkering with anything mechanical, wood carving, taking fishing trips with his wife, spending time with his family, as well as taking care of his walnut orchard and helping with Rickey’s iris garden.
Steve was predeceased by his wife of 52 years, Raphaela (Rickey) Kennedy in 1998 and his son, Patrick Stephen Kennedy in 1990. He is survived by his son Craig and daughter in law, Melissa, and their two children, Bailey and Kyle, as well as his eldest granddaughter Jennifer Henson, (daughter of Patrick). He will be missed by his brother Gerald (Jerry) Kennedy of Arizona, his sister Carol Bacon of Hollister, and many nieces and nephews.
Friends and family are invited to a memorial service at the Grunnagle, Ament, and Nelson mortuary in Hollister on Friday December 11th at 1:00 pm. Graveside services to follow at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to your favorite charity.
Condolences may be sent to www.grunnagle.com
