Russell J. Kennedy

Russell J. Kennedy, 90, of Ridgefield, longtime resident of Naples, FL and Lavallette, NJ, died on Sunday, January 25, 2026. He was the loving husband of Patricia (Blaney) Kennedy.

Russ was born on February 21,1935 in Jersey City, NJ; a son of the late Russell and Evelyn (Thoman) Kennedy. He attended Saint Peter’s Prep in Jersey City, NJ and went to work after high school for Maxwell House Coffee in Hoboken, NJ. He served in the US Army.  After his Army service he returned to work at Maxwell House, attended Saint Peter’s College in Jersey City, married Patricia and together they began a loving family. The family of seven eventually settled in Northvale, NJ, where they put down lasting roots.

Russ enjoyed a very successful career. He worked in numerous roles within Maxwell House and its successor companies, primarily in information technology. He retired as the Director of Computing Systems for Kraft Foods after a 40+ year career. He was a very active volunteer in every community where they lived; from Northvale peewee football coach to St. Anthony’s Church social club chair to municipal and community boards, Russ volunteered for it all. He was always willing to lend a hand to his friends and members of his community, especially with computer issues, sharing his expertise. He was a dedicated runner, a good golfer, an avid puzzle and sudoku player and an often-discouraged Giants and Yankee fan. After retirement, Russ and Pat were snowbirds, living at the NJ Shore and in Naples FL where they enjoyed an active life with their many friends. Russ found his greatest joy in being with Pat, family, and friends, laughing together and telling stories.

Russ is survived by his wife of 65 years, Patricia, as well as their five children: Susan Farley and her husband, Scott; Russell Kennedy and his wife, Debbie; Michael Kennedy and his wife, Lisa; Dennis Kennedy and his fiancé, Gail Peace; and Patricia Peschel and her husband, Howard. Russ is also survived by his six grandchildren who lovingly called him Pop-pop: Joseph and Ryan Peschel, Lauren and John Kennedy, Christopher Kennedy and Patrick Farley as well as a brother, Thomas Kennedy.  He was a loving Uncle to many nieces and nephews, too numerous to name, fondly known to some as Uncle Mickey.

In addition to his parents, Russ was predeceased by a daughter in law, Regina Kennedy, mother to Lauren and John Kennedy, and a sister, Patricia O’Brien. 

A funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at 10:00 AM in Saint Mary’s Church; 55 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield. Interment will take place privately. 

Family and friends will be received on Saturday, February 14, 2026 from 9:00 AM to 9:45 AM at Holy Family Hall at Saint Mary’s Church. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mr. Kennedy’s memory may be made to Dr. Harriet Kluger’s Melanoma Research Group at Yale Medical School using the following link: https://yaleschoolofmedicine.donordrive.com/campaigns/In-Memory-of-Russell-Kennedy/donate

Kane Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.