Mr. Barrie John Kennedy

On the morning of November 24, 2021, Barrie John Kennedy, 80, passed away following a battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was surrounded by his loving wife of 55 years, Rita, and his sons, Bradley Kennedy of Wimberley, Texas, and Andrew Kennedy of Holliston, Massachusetts. Born in Cornwall, Ontario, Canada, on July 30, 1941, to parents Andrew Kennedy and Yvonne Primeau Kennedy, Barrie grew up with older sister Elizabeth and younger brother Ronnie. He was an altar boy and remained devoted to the Catholic faith throughout his life. He obtained his education at Carleton University in Ottawa, Ontario, and greatly valued the impact of intellectual endeavors, continuing to challenge his mind and encouraging his children to do the same. Barrie and Rita met in Cornwall and married on January 29, 1966. They moved to Malone, New York, in 1969 to embark on their careers in healthcare. They had two rambunctious sons, Andrew and Bradley, who continue to make them proud. Barrie loved spending time at the Elk’s Club and with his close friend Bill LeRoy, bringing joy and laughter to friends and family with their stories. Barrie served professionally as laboratory manager at Alice Hyde Medical Center, retiring at age 62 after 30+ years in the field. He was respected by his colleagues and steadfast in his commitment to his work. Barrie lived a rich life. He enjoyed reading the New York times every Sunday morning without fail and was a crossword puzzle master. An avid reader of nature, science, and historical works, Barrie appreciated learning about the workings of the world and humanity. He also loved jazz, imparting his musical knowledge to his sons. Barrie loved North Country strolls, the VIC at Paul Smith’s being a favorite locale, and he and his snowbird family migrated yearly to the shell-crusted, turquoise water beaches of Rotonda West, Florida. An animal lover, Barrie was usually accompanied by his best canine buddies. Barrie is preceded in death by his parents, mother Yvonne Primeau Kennedy and father Andrew Kennedy of Cornwall. He is survived by his wife Rita Kennedy; brother Ronnie Kennedy; sister Elizabeth Swift and her spouse John Swift; son Andrew Kennedy and his longtime partner Molly Johns; son Brad Kennedy and spouse Vanessa Kennedy; nieces Laurie Major and Shelley McCoubrey; nephew David Major; Molly’s sweet children Matthew and Vivienne; and the most wonderful grandchildren Camille and Rex, who could do no wrong. Barrie will be missed dearly by those who love him. There are no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, November 29, 2021 at 12:05 p.m. at Notre Dame Church, 306 W. Main Street, Malone. To Live Stream the mass, please visit the St. André Bessette Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Religious-Organization/Saint-André-Bessette-Roman-Catholic-Parish-373705389382838/ Click to “Like” the page prior to Monday to get a notification alert when the mass begins. A reception will follow at Donovan’s Steak & Ale, 3853 US-11 , Malone, NY 12953 which will begin at 1:30 p.m. The Kennedy family asks that in lieu of flowers, please donate to the Hospice of the North Country, who took wonderful care of Barrie, by visiting www.hospicenc.org/donate.

Mr. Barrie John Kennedy

July 30, 1941 - November 24, 2021