Colonel Ret. Henry James Kennedy

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Celebrating the life of
Colonel Ret. Henry  James KennedyMarch 23, 1918 - March 31, 2010

Colonel Ret. Henry James Kennedy beloved father, faithful husband, noted historian, civic leader, and one of Savannah's first computer programmers, passed away on Tuesday at age 92 after a short illness.

Survivors include daughters Gayle Perkins Horace of Anderson, SC, Catherine Levine Irvin of Savannah, Lisa Bergstresser Rev. Jay of Merritt Island, FL, and Marie Norton Andy of Douglasville, GA; grandchildren Laura Morrison, Lee Perkins, Joanna Levine, Anna and Renee Bergstresser and Andrew and Anne Donlon Norton; great-grandchildren Connor and Neil Morrison and Jake Perkins; sister Ellen Mahany of Savannah and daughter-in-law Francis Kennedy.. He was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Anne Mendel Kennedy; son Henry Kennedy Jr.; and brother Raymond Joseph Kennedy.

Henry was born on March 23, 1918, in Savannah, GA, to John Franklyn Kennedy and Mary Margaret Roche Kennedy and attended Marist and Benedictine. His family moved several times in his youth following his father's work, including to Miami, FL in 1926 where he survived the "Great Hurricane." The family always came back home to Savannah where he began his career at the Central of Georgia Railroad in 1934. It was here that he later advanced to become a pioneer in the railway programming field. He retired after 30 years four months. He also met the love of his life, Anne, while working at the railroad, and they were married in 1951.

He enlisted in the Georgia National Guard 118th Field Artillery in 1936 and served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII. He retired from the Guard in 1971 as the Battalion Commander with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. In 1963, he began his third career with the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, serving until his retirement in 1987 as Assistant Chief of Data Processing and Branch Chief of Systems and Programming. Armed only with a high-school diploma, his thirst for learning, perseverance, and technical knowledge led to him being asked to teach the first computer class at Armstrong State College in 1960. He continued his lectures until 1970.

Henry was dedicated to his faith, family, and to community service. He a was a member of: Chatham Artillery, Coastal Heritage Society, Junior Chamber of Commerce, Elks, Hibernian Society, Knights of Columbus, U.S. Power Squadron, Retired Officers Association, Savannah Volunteer Guards SVG and several other historical and military organizations. He received countless awards, including Henry J. Kennedy Day in the City of Savannah on October 6, 1988, Volunteer of the Year from the Georgia Associations of Museums, SVG 1998 Man of the Year, and multiple Outstanding Service awards from the Corp of Engineers and National Guard. One of his proudest achievements was the publication of his book, "History of the Savannah Volunteer Guards, Inc. 1802-1992."

Visitation will be at Church of the Most Blessed Sacrament from 5-7 p.m., Monday, April 5. Funeral Mass, Tuesday, April 6 at 11 a.m.

Contributions may be made to the Colonel Henry J. Kennedy Scholarship at Armstrong Atlantic State University Foundation 11935 Abercorn Street Savannah, Georgia 31419, Benedictine Military School, 6502 Seawright Dr., Savannah, GA 31406 or St. Vincent's Academy, 207 E. Liberty St., Savannah, GA 31401.

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Kennedy Girls, So sorry about your dad-- really liked the guy. He helped me when I first got 'computerized'. Let me know if I can help with any paperwork, insurance, etc. Joe

- Joe Rochefort, Savannah, GA

To the Kennedy Family, I send you my love and prayers during this time of loss. Our parents shared lots of good time together over many years. I have been going through mom and dad things over the last 8 months and found some great cruise and party pictures of our parents. What good friend they were and what great times they had together with all their friends. I was so sorry I could not attend his services but my thoughts and prayers are with you. Love Angie Shearouse Foran

- Angie Shearouse Foran, Savannah, GA

Henry was a true gentleman.We remember lots of good times at the KofC in years gone by with him and Anne.Our sympathy to the entire family.You will be in our prayers.

- Tom and Judy Mahoney, Savannah, GA

Please accept my sincere condolences to all of Henry's Family. I worked with Henry and the Vol. Guards, doing the calligraphy for the Presidents Awards. He was a wonderful man and will be missed by many. Sincerely, Dee Jackson

- Dee Jackson, Savannah, GA

I began working as a housekeeper for Mr. Kennedy shortly after the death of his beloved wife. Over the years he was not only a employer but we became friends. He truly was a very smart man and shared much of his knowledge with me. I will truly miss him. My deepest sympathy go out to his lovely family who I came to know through him. Willie M. Berry

- Willie M. Berry, Savannah, GA

My condolences. I will always remember the Summer you brought Henry to our house in Atlantic Beach.

- Tom & Dana, Atlantic Beach, FL

Marie and Family, Sorry for your lost and know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless you during this time.

- Kellie Jernigan, Savannah, GA

Betty and I extend our deepest sympathies to your family in the loss of your father. If there is anything we can do during this time, please do not hesitate to ask. Mr. Kennedy was a fine southern gentleman whom we enjoyed knowing these many years.

- Billy Wilson, Savannah, GA