Deceased Friars
Joseph Kennedy, OFM

1909 – 1917
Fr. Joseph Kennedy, OFM, was born on Oct. 4, 1909, in New York City. After graduating from the St. Joseph’s Seraphic Seminary in Callicoon, N.Y., he entered the Province’s novitiate at St. Bonaventure Friary in Paterson, N.J., in 1930.
He professed his temporary in 1931 and made his profession of solemn vows in 1935. Fr. Joseph was ordained a priest in 1937 in Washington, D.C.
Fr. Joseph’s first assignment was to St. Francis of Assisi Church on 31st Street, where he served as assistant moderator of the Franciscan Family Circle. After seven years at St. Francis Church, he was assigned to St. Patrick’s Parish in Buffalo. N.Y.
In 1949, he became pastor of St. Patrick’s and served there until he was appointed pastor of St. Bonaventure, Paterson, in 1955, where he served for 12 years. In 1967, he was appointed to St. Stephen of Hungary Church in New York City.
Fr. Joseph was a dedicated parish priest who cared especially for the sick and aged of his parishes.
He died Aug. 15, 1970, on the subway platform at 59th Street and Lexington Avenue in New York City. He was 60 years old, a professed friar for 38 years and a priest for 33 years.