Joe DiMaggio Kennedy aka “Gene” was born on December 17, 1948, in Sardinia, SC to the late Hartman and Janie Kennedy. He was the youngest of 14 children. He attended the Clarendon County School System and was a star basketball player at Walker Gamble High School where he graduated. Joe relocated to New Jersey in the late 1960’s and was drafted into the US Army in 1968. He served in Korea for 2 years as a cook and went on to play basketball for the US Army.
Joe was released from the US Army in 1970 and worked in various departments on Fort Monmouth, NJ. He later worked construction and became a member of Local 343. Joe is also a life member of the VFW Post 1333 of Neptune. Joe was known for his dapper style, his endless hat and boot collection and his love for cooking, grilling, dogs and fishing. He was known on Sewall Ave as Mr. Gene and/or Poppa Joe to everyone for over 50 years. He was a die hard Dallas Cowboys fan and a rare specimen that danced with wolves.
He was predeceased by his parents, 3 brothers (Hartman Jr, Abraham, and King,) 7 sisters, (Virginia, Leona, Ola, Rena, Beshield, Roberta, and Wilbur) son-in-law Tyrone (Lord Ice) Smith and life long partner Jacquelyn Mosley.
He leaves behind a legacy of (6) children, Denise Smith, Lakisha Kennedy (Shadow), Felicia Kennedy (Earnest), Joseph Williams, Jovon Williams, and Travis Kennedy (Jalicia) and bonus son Tyhir James; (9) devoted grandchildren, Marvin, Essence, Imani, Zachary, Amaz, Kyree, Zakya, Madisen, & Rose; (1) adoring great grandchild, Kylie; (1) sister, Marjorie Blanding of CT and sister-in-law Deborah Durham of NJ; (2) brothers, Thomas Kennedy of NJ and James Kennedy of SC; (2) faithful nieces Rosa Nichols (MA) and Kendra Durham, NJ; Loyal friends Frank, Willie, Richard and Lattimore and a host of other family and friends.
Joe “Gene” Kennedy was loved and respected by all who knew him.
Gene was a member of our family for many years. His sense of humor, gentle nature and superb cooking skills will always be remembered. Our children had the privilege of knowing “Uncle Gene” as they grew up. Gene will be missed by our entire family. Love, Dr. Jennifer D. Washington, James Washington, Lemora Cruz, Justin Washington and Curtis Washington.