Edward Kennedy

Edward “Ed” William Kennedy of Northbridge and formerly Hopkinton, a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, passed away surrounded by his loved ones on Jan. 1, 2026, in Worcester. He was 82.

Ed was born Nov. 27, 1943, in Framingham. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Brenda Kennedy (Witkowski); his three wonderful children along with their spouses, Lauren and Shannon Jacobs, Colleen and Gary Jewers, and Adam and Heather Kennedy; his six grandchildren, Rachel Sears (and husband Nick), Devyn O’Loughlin (and husband Tom), Nate Jewers (and significant other Emily LaHair), Brendan Kennedy, Declan Kennedy and Caleb Kennedy; and his great-granddaughter, Isla O’Loughlin. He also leaves his sister, Janet Parks; sisters-in-law, Lynda Chysna and Elizabeth Witkowski; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Ed was predeceased by his father, Frederick W. “Doc” Kennedy; his mother, Marjorie Kennedy (Benner); big sister, Anne Fairbanks (Kennedy); and brother-in-law/best friend, Robert “Bob” Chysna.

Ed had never met a stranger; he was always willing to chat with anyone he met. He loved reminiscing about his old motorcycle days, sharing his wisdom about fixing cars, and playing pitch with anyone willing to face him. He was a huge animal lover, especially his dogs and horses, a trait he certainly passed along to his family. He also liked fishing, hunting and his gun collection. At his core, Ed was a family man, something incredibly evident as his family gathered around him in his final days.

The family invites those who knew and loved Ed to join them in a celebration of life on Wednesday, Jan. 7, at 4 p.m. at Chesmore Funeral Home in Hopkinton. Please omit flowers; your thoughts and prayers are appreciated.

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