JEFFREY WALTER KENNEDY

VERGENNES — Jeff Kennedy passed away at home surrounded by his family on April 26 after a battle with lung cancer. He was born on April 15, 1960, in Manchester, Conn., the third child of James and Jean (Howe) Kennedy. Growing up, Jeff never failed to surprise and entertain his family with his various pursuits, such as turning the backyard into a mini farm in order to raise sheep, angora rabbits and one chicken, learning to play the drums, and incubating and hatching quail eggs and creating a quail habitat, also in the backyard. Jeff spent most of his childhood in Connecticut, eventually moving to Windsor, Vt., where he graduated high school. Jeff attended Johnson and Wales Culinary Institute in Providence, R.I., graduating with a degree in culinary arts.

Jeff met the love of his life, Denise Piche, while working at the Radisson Hotel in Burlington and moved with her to Alaska, where they were married. Moving back to Vermont in 1987, they settled in Vergennes, raised a family together, and lived for the rest of Jeff’s life.

A fulfilling part of Jeff’s life was his culinary career, and he always took pride in his work. Jeff worked at the Northlands Job Corp, Middlebury College and finally at The Terraces in Shelburne. He truly found a community among his fellow staff and the residents there, who he considered to be good friends.

Jeff was a rock to his family, always consistent, hardworking, and concerned for the welfare of those around him. He showed his love by taking care of the small things that often go unnoticed. He enjoyed working around the yard, mowing, gardening, and outsmarting the squirrels who were after the birdfeeder. Jeff loved to take daily walks around Vergennes, hiking with his family, and kayaking. He was also an avid reader. We will miss his sense of humor and wry observations.

Jeff is predeceased by his parents, James and Jean Kennedy. He is survived by his loving wife, Denise; their children, Jim, Hugh and Margaret who, with her husband Dylan Teer, is expecting a son, Desmond Jeffrey. Jeff also leaves behind sisters, Lynn Kennedy and Judi D’Amico; nieces Ashley Ponce and Amanda Kimball; and many other family members and friends who will all miss him dearly.

Jeff’s family would like to thank the Addison County Home Health & Hospice for their help, our neighbors Mike and Karen Quigley for all they have done, Jeff’s friends at The Terraces for the love and support, Saint Peter’s Church community, and everyone else who has prayed and kept us in their thoughts during this difficult time.

The family will honor Jeff with a private burial and host a celebration of life in the summer. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Addison County Home Health & Hospice. ◊