John's membership dates back to 1974 in the former Mars VFC, where john had served as a line officer. John was a Veteran of the Navy, having served in the Vietnam Conflict.

Although John and his late wife had lived in NC in recent years to be close to family, John was present for the transfer ceremony for the new station opening. He is shown in this photo on that day, along with President Jason Safreed. Below is the message from his family. A local interment service is anticipated at some time in the future.
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It is with the saddest of hearts that Shannon and I share that at 4:50PM our Dad- John Kennedy passed away.

He was a son, brother, uncle, husband, Dad and Pap- and he was the unwavering foundation of our family who worked the hardest for his family- every day.

Serving the community was a central part of Dad’s life- upon graduating from high school he served our Nation proudly during the Vietnam War in the United States Navy aboard his beloved Battleship New Jersey. He demonstrated his pride in the service he provided our Nation by always- always wearing a Battleship New Jersey hat.

Upon returning home from serving our Nation Dad felt the call to serve his local community- and became a member of the Mars Volunteer Fire Department. He actively served his community for decades and was recognized as a Life Member of the MVFD, now known as the Adams Area Fire District.

Shannon and I are humbled by his life’s work as a volunteer public service provider. His example has helped shape our choices of professional careers. We are better for him being our Dad and the example he set for us.

Family is everything- was the mantra that became his too when he married Mom. He was the foundation of the family they built and he worked hard every single day of his working life to ensure we had everything we needed.