Thomas Jerome (Jerry) Kennedy, age 93, passed away Friday Jan. 28, 2022.
Jerry was born to Edward A and Marybelle Cissell Kennedy in Peru, IN on May 26, 1928. Jerry graduated from Peru High School (Class of '46) and married Barbara Viola Douglass on April 6, 1952 at St. Charles Church in Peru. He was preceded in death by his lovely bride, Barbara, and his eldest son, Thomas.
Jerry is survived by his children Joan Ellen (Dennis) Bruce, John Michael (Cris) Kennedy, Charles Andrew (Dianna) Kennedy, Marie Anne (Allan) Chorpenning, and his late son's wife, Terri Kennedy. He is further survived by 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by his siblings Edward, James, William, Donald, and Mary McMinn.
Jerry was an energetic man and lived life to its fullest, be it commitment and love to his family, service to his community, or interest in sports. Still in high school, he helped his family's finances as a nighttime fireman assistant working on locomotives with the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway. Soon his youth and energy were put to the test as he was drafted into the Army, serving in the 2nd Infantry Division, 38th Regiment in Korea. He received the Purple Heart for his service as well as carried mortar pieces in his body as a physical reminder of his love of country. While in the Army, Jerry married the love of his life, Barbara. Along with his absolute devotion to Barbara, there was always a soft part in his heart for his infantry company companions and the 2nd Division as a whole. After returning home, his focus shifted to an ever-increasing family of five children who in turn focused their futures on Catholic education through their first 12 grades. His career in the construction industry was also a passion, as he climbed from foreman, to superintendent, and eventually to project manager. He led as a good-natured manager with a sincere desire to improve his men, while focusing on the project. His life included construction companies as Tousley-Bixler Co., Jungclaus-Campbell Co. and Toth-Ervin Inc.
Along the way, he developed a unique knack of Irish prose which was plastered all over envelopes and cards each St. Patrick Day. His flair of bringing green-cheer to family and friends became quite popular in Indiana and eventually reached to states far and wide. The dispersion of these cards even reached the other side of the country, where during a gathering of the 50 state's postmasters, the California exec addressed his peers asking the gathering, who in the world was this Irish gentlemen-of-poetry from Indiana. Luckily, the Indiana postmaster was versed in Jerry's actions and provided an explanation to the joy of the west coast fellow. The hundreds upon hundreds who eventually received these annual works of art wondered often – how he was able to fill an envelope with ever so slight space left for any additional words or legal address.
He also found time in his life for unerring attendance at Catholic services as well as service to his community. His efforts and desire to help others were recognized along the way, including the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus achievement, VFW activities, Indy Warren Township Lions Club leadership positions, Cubmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster, Assistant District Commissioner for scouting, and honored as 2018 President's Award focusing on Irish Heredity and Catholicism with the Ancient Order of Hibernians. He was tremendously proud of his Irish Heritage and his uncanny stadium attendance at nearly every football season (since 1938) watching the University of Notre Dame's Fighting Irish.
In lieu of flowers, the family recommends contributions to Little Flower. Friends may call from 9:30 am – 11:00 am on Friday Feb. 4, 2022, at the St. Therese Little Flower Catholic Church at 4720 East 13th Street, Indianapolis. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am following the visitation. Reverend Robert J. Gilday will officiate.
Published by Peru Tribune on Jan. 31, 2022.
Jerry was born to Edward A and Marybelle Cissell Kennedy in Peru, IN on May 26, 1928. Jerry graduated from Peru High School (Class of '46) and married Barbara Viola Douglass on April 6, 1952 at St. Charles Church in Peru. He was preceded in death by his lovely bride, Barbara, and his eldest son, Thomas.
Jerry is survived by his children Joan Ellen (Dennis) Bruce, John Michael (Cris) Kennedy, Charles Andrew (Dianna) Kennedy, Marie Anne (Allan) Chorpenning, and his late son's wife, Terri Kennedy. He is further survived by 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by his siblings Edward, James, William, Donald, and Mary McMinn.
Jerry was an energetic man and lived life to its fullest, be it commitment and love to his family, service to his community, or interest in sports. Still in high school, he helped his family's finances as a nighttime fireman assistant working on locomotives with the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway. Soon his youth and energy were put to the test as he was drafted into the Army, serving in the 2nd Infantry Division, 38th Regiment in Korea. He received the Purple Heart for his service as well as carried mortar pieces in his body as a physical reminder of his love of country. While in the Army, Jerry married the love of his life, Barbara. Along with his absolute devotion to Barbara, there was always a soft part in his heart for his infantry company companions and the 2nd Division as a whole. After returning home, his focus shifted to an ever-increasing family of five children who in turn focused their futures on Catholic education through their first 12 grades. His career in the construction industry was also a passion, as he climbed from foreman, to superintendent, and eventually to project manager. He led as a good-natured manager with a sincere desire to improve his men, while focusing on the project. His life included construction companies as Tousley-Bixler Co., Jungclaus-Campbell Co. and Toth-Ervin Inc.
Along the way, he developed a unique knack of Irish prose which was plastered all over envelopes and cards each St. Patrick Day. His flair of bringing green-cheer to family and friends became quite popular in Indiana and eventually reached to states far and wide. The dispersion of these cards even reached the other side of the country, where during a gathering of the 50 state's postmasters, the California exec addressed his peers asking the gathering, who in the world was this Irish gentlemen-of-poetry from Indiana. Luckily, the Indiana postmaster was versed in Jerry's actions and provided an explanation to the joy of the west coast fellow. The hundreds upon hundreds who eventually received these annual works of art wondered often – how he was able to fill an envelope with ever so slight space left for any additional words or legal address.
He also found time in his life for unerring attendance at Catholic services as well as service to his community. His efforts and desire to help others were recognized along the way, including the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus achievement, VFW activities, Indy Warren Township Lions Club leadership positions, Cubmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster, Assistant District Commissioner for scouting, and honored as 2018 President's Award focusing on Irish Heredity and Catholicism with the Ancient Order of Hibernians. He was tremendously proud of his Irish Heritage and his uncanny stadium attendance at nearly every football season (since 1938) watching the University of Notre Dame's Fighting Irish.
In lieu of flowers, the family recommends contributions to Little Flower. Friends may call from 9:30 am – 11:00 am on Friday Feb. 4, 2022, at the St. Therese Little Flower Catholic Church at 4720 East 13th Street, Indianapolis. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am following the visitation. Reverend Robert J. Gilday will officiate.
Published by Peru Tribune on Jan. 31, 2022.
Thomas Jerome (Jerry) Kennedy, age 93, passed away Friday Jan. 28, 2022.
Jerry was born to Edward A and Marybelle Cissell Kennedy in Peru, IN on May 26, 1928. Jerry graduated from Peru High School (Class of '46) and married Barbara Viola Douglass on April 6, 1952 at St. Charles Church in Peru. He was preceded in death by his lovely bride, Barbara, and his eldest son, Thomas.
Jerry is survived by his children Joan Ellen (Dennis) Bruce, John Michael (Cris) Kennedy, Charles Andrew (Dianna) Kennedy, Marie Anne (Allan) Chorpenning, and his late son's wife, Terri Kennedy. He is further survived by 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by his siblings Edward, James, William, Donald, and Mary McMinn.
Jerry was an energetic man and lived life to its fullest, be it commitment and love to his family, service to his community, or interest in sports. Still in high school, he helped his family's finances as a nighttime fireman assistant working on locomotives with the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway. Soon his youth and energy were put to the test as he was drafted into the Army, serving in the 2nd Infantry Division, 38th Regiment in Korea. He received the Purple Heart for his service as well as carried mortar pieces in his body as a physical reminder of his love of country. While in the Army, Jerry married the love of his life, Barbara. Along with his absolute devotion to Barbara, there was always a soft part in his heart for his infantry company companions and the 2nd Division as a whole. After returning home, his focus shifted to an ever-increasing family of five children who in turn focused their futures on Catholic education through their first 12 grades. His career in the construction industry was also a passion, as he climbed from foreman, to superintendent, and eventually to project manager. He led as a good-natured manager with a sincere desire to improve his men, while focusing on the project. His life included construction companies as Tousley-Bixler Co., Jungclaus-Campbell Co. and Toth-Ervin Inc.
Along the way, he developed a unique knack of Irish prose which was plastered all over envelopes and cards each St. Patrick Day. His flair of bringing green-cheer to family and friends became quite popular in Indiana and eventually reached to states far and wide. The dispersion of these cards even reached the other side of the country, where during a gathering of the 50 state's postmasters, the California exec addressed his peers asking the gathering, who in the world was this Irish gentlemen-of-poetry from Indiana. Luckily, the Indiana postmaster was versed in Jerry's actions and provided an explanation to the joy of the west coast fellow. The hundreds upon hundreds who eventually received these annual works of art wondered often – how he was able to fill an envelope with ever so slight space left for any additional words or legal address.
He also found time in his life for unerring attendance at Catholic services as well as service to his community. His efforts and desire to help others were recognized along the way, including the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus achievement, VFW activities, Indy Warren Township Lions Club leadership positions, Cubmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster, Assistant District Commissioner for scouting, and honored as 2018 President's Award focusing on Irish Heredity and Catholicism with the Ancient Order of Hibernians. He was tremendously proud of his Irish Heritage and his uncanny stadium attendance at nearly every football season (since 1938) watching the University of Notre Dame's Fighting Irish.
In lieu of flowers, the family recommends contributions to Little Flower. Friends may call from 9:30 am – 11:00 am on Friday Feb. 4, 2022, at the St. Therese Little Flower Catholic Church at 4720 East 13th Street, Indianapolis. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am following the visitation. Reverend Robert J. Gilday will officiate.
Published by Peru Tribune on Jan. 31, 2022.
Jerry was born to Edward A and Marybelle Cissell Kennedy in Peru, IN on May 26, 1928. Jerry graduated from Peru High School (Class of '46) and married Barbara Viola Douglass on April 6, 1952 at St. Charles Church in Peru. He was preceded in death by his lovely bride, Barbara, and his eldest son, Thomas.
Jerry is survived by his children Joan Ellen (Dennis) Bruce, John Michael (Cris) Kennedy, Charles Andrew (Dianna) Kennedy, Marie Anne (Allan) Chorpenning, and his late son's wife, Terri Kennedy. He is further survived by 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by his siblings Edward, James, William, Donald, and Mary McMinn.
Jerry was an energetic man and lived life to its fullest, be it commitment and love to his family, service to his community, or interest in sports. Still in high school, he helped his family's finances as a nighttime fireman assistant working on locomotives with the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway. Soon his youth and energy were put to the test as he was drafted into the Army, serving in the 2nd Infantry Division, 38th Regiment in Korea. He received the Purple Heart for his service as well as carried mortar pieces in his body as a physical reminder of his love of country. While in the Army, Jerry married the love of his life, Barbara. Along with his absolute devotion to Barbara, there was always a soft part in his heart for his infantry company companions and the 2nd Division as a whole. After returning home, his focus shifted to an ever-increasing family of five children who in turn focused their futures on Catholic education through their first 12 grades. His career in the construction industry was also a passion, as he climbed from foreman, to superintendent, and eventually to project manager. He led as a good-natured manager with a sincere desire to improve his men, while focusing on the project. His life included construction companies as Tousley-Bixler Co., Jungclaus-Campbell Co. and Toth-Ervin Inc.
Along the way, he developed a unique knack of Irish prose which was plastered all over envelopes and cards each St. Patrick Day. His flair of bringing green-cheer to family and friends became quite popular in Indiana and eventually reached to states far and wide. The dispersion of these cards even reached the other side of the country, where during a gathering of the 50 state's postmasters, the California exec addressed his peers asking the gathering, who in the world was this Irish gentlemen-of-poetry from Indiana. Luckily, the Indiana postmaster was versed in Jerry's actions and provided an explanation to the joy of the west coast fellow. The hundreds upon hundreds who eventually received these annual works of art wondered often – how he was able to fill an envelope with ever so slight space left for any additional words or legal address.
He also found time in his life for unerring attendance at Catholic services as well as service to his community. His efforts and desire to help others were recognized along the way, including the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus achievement, VFW activities, Indy Warren Township Lions Club leadership positions, Cubmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster, Assistant District Commissioner for scouting, and honored as 2018 President's Award focusing on Irish Heredity and Catholicism with the Ancient Order of Hibernians. He was tremendously proud of his Irish Heritage and his uncanny stadium attendance at nearly every football season (since 1938) watching the University of Notre Dame's Fighting Irish.
In lieu of flowers, the family recommends contributions to Little Flower. Friends may call from 9:30 am – 11:00 am on Friday Feb. 4, 2022, at the St. Therese Little Flower Catholic Church at 4720 East 13th Street, Indianapolis. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am following the visitation. Reverend Robert J. Gilday will officiate.
Published by Peru Tribune on Jan. 31, 2022.
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