Joseph Edward Kennedy, a highly decorated World War II veteran, passed away November 1, 2011 in Orlando, FL after a courageous battle with Parkinson' disease. He was born in Rutland, VT on September 3, 1924 to J. Hayden and Marion (Barrett) Kennedy. Joe was a longtime member of St. Peter Parish in Rutland and graduated from both St. Peter Elementary School and Mount St. Joseph Academy.  Shortly after graduation from high school he enlisted in the Army Air Corps. He served as a waist gunner aboard a B24 Liberator affectionally known as "We Miss America". On April 13, 1944 the plane was shot down over Hungry during a bombing run. Joe parachuted safely only to be captured by the Germans. He was held captive for thirteen months during which time he was forced to participate in the infamous "Death March" a 600 mile trek across Germany in the midst of one of the coldest winters on record. The Stalag where he was imprisoned was liberated on May 29,1945 by General George S. Patton after which Joe and a friend made a side trip to Paris before returning stateside. Upon his return home to Vermont Joe met and married the love of his life Berniece Kellogg.  The couple united in marriage on January 21, 1946 and together they raised six children. Joe was a master plumber  in the Rutland  area for many years and was the owner of Kennedy Plumbing and Heating prior to his retirement in 1986.



He was a member of American Legion Post 31, a past member of the Rutland Moose Club, Rutland Country Club and Neshobe Country Club. Joe and Berniece relocated to Clermont, FL and enjoyed the sunshine, warmth and total lack of snow.  Joe took every opportunity to golf at the many local golf clubs.



Joe is survived by his wife of nearly 66 years and his children: Patrick Kennedy of Groveland, FL: Donna Kinnie of Rutland Town, VT: Kathy and her husband Bill Hill of White Creek, NY:  Sharon Hogan of Clermont: Susan and Gary Parker of N. Clarendon, VT; and Kevin Kennedy and his wife Elizabeth Applegarth of Mascotte, FL .He is also survived by five grandchildren: Kristopher Kinnie, Michael Kennedy, Julie Lapham Hunt, Joseph Hogan and Sharlynn Hogan.  He was predeceased by a



grandson, Brian Patrick Kennedy and sons-in-law Lynn Hogan and Edward Kinnie.



Mass of the Resurrection will be held at 11:30 AM on Friday, November 4, 2011 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, celebrated by Very Reverend Robert E. Webster. Inurnment will follow in Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL with honors. Memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers, should be made to the  National Parkinson' Foundation at 1501 N.W. 9th Ave./ Bob Hope Rd., Miami, Fl., 33136-1494