VIENNA — Daniel James Kennedy, 85, passed away Wednesday, December 1, 2021 in Warren, Ohio. Our community has lost a great husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and coach. Born December 16, 1935, in New Castle, Pa., to Samuel and Ethel Kennedy; the family moved to Vienna in 1948. Dan was a 1953 graduate of Vienna High School. He married his beloved wife of 64 years, Donna Stoneking Kennedy, on November 4, 1957. Dan retired from Copperweld Steel in 2000, after working in the electronics department for 18 years. He was a proud member of Local 2243. Prior to Copperweld, he had his own TV sales and service business in the '70s, working with his brothers, Bob and Sam. His close friend, George Reese, was also a partner in the business. Dan was an active member of the Church of Christ for many years. Aside from being a wonderful role model for his family, Dan's passion was baseball. He coached all age groups from Little League through Warren AA League. People recognized and approached Dan wherever he went — they always took time to say hello to "coach;" he loved engaging with baseball people. In 1975, Dan, along with many other volunteers, constructed a new baseball field on school grounds near Baker Elementary in Vienna. Dan took special pride in the field and spent many hours maintaining it. In 2010, the Mathews School Board renamed the baseball diamond Dan Kennedy Field. As the Mathews High varsity coach and assistant coach over the past 20-plus seasons, he took great pride developing successful baseball players and young men. He never entered a game expecting to lose and rarely did; his confidence was contagious. He won over 130 games as the head coach and led the team to several league titles. He touched the hearts of countless young men and was respected by area coaches and officials. Dan is survived by his wife, Donna Kennedy; children, Tom (Roseann) Kennedy of Vienna, Darlene Kennedy of Vienna, Jim (Jackie) Kennedy of Muncie, Indiana and Sandra Kennedy of Bazetta; his grandchildren, Jennifer Kennedy, Eric (Sonia) Kennedy, Chris Clouse, Adam (Casey) Englebaugh, Andy (Carol) Kennedy, Mike (Cheryl) Loychik, Sarah King, Danielle (Patrick) Stewart, Patrick King, Morgan Loychik, Paige Loychik and Noah Heilman; and seven great-grandchildren. Max (German shepherd) was Dan's best fur buddy. Many nieces, nephews and friends also survive. In addition to his parents, Dan was preceded in death by his brothers, Robert and Samuel II. Family and friends may visit 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, December 4, 2021, at Lane Family Funeral Homes, Madasz Chapel, 6923 Warren-Sharon Road, Brookfield, OH 44403. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, December 5, 2021, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Mathews Baseball Program. Family and friends may send their heartfelt condolences by visiting www.lanefuneralhomes.com.

-Warren Tribune Chronicle, December 2, 2021