Dennis Lee Kennedy

On December 22, 2021, Loki and Becky lost the greatest man they have ever known.  Dennis Lee Kennedy was a loving devoted father and husband, who always put his family first. He was the ultimate family man, provider and protector, even from his ICU hospital bed. One of Dennis’s last acts of love was to start the process for Jacob to legally change their name to Loki Crow Kennedy.

Dennis grew up on his maternal grandparent’s farm in Port Deposit, MD. He dearly loved his grandparents, Stacey B. and Celia J. Farmer, who showered him with love and taught him devotion to family. His mother, Ruth Ann Farmer Kennedy, was the baby of thirteen. Dennis looked forward to her delicious holiday dinners and wonderful apple pie every year. He cherished family reunions on Father’s Day with all his aunts, uncles and cousins. Dennis had fond memories of his pipe smoking paternal great grandmother, Laura Hatfield Kennedy, daughter of a famous feuding Hatfield.

Dennis was a proud member of the Rising Sun High School Class of 1972. He graduated from Cecil College and Millersville University, with a B.S. in Industrial Arts Education. He enjoyed teaching, but his true calling was a career in Electrical Construction. Dennis held a Master Electrician’s License in Maryland and Delaware and was a Certified Electrical Safety Compliance Professional. He combined his teaching skills with his desire to be the best Electrician he could be and taught in the Electrical Apprenticeship Program in Delaware. Most recently, Dennis worked for M. Davis and Sons, Inc. as their Electrical Safety Engineer where he ensured the safety and wellbeing of many, taught electrical safety using e-Hazard’s Low Voltage and High Voltage systems and First Aid/CPR/AED classes. He was an approved provider of Continuing Education Units in five states for NFPA 70E and National Electrical Code. Dennis loved his time working for e-Hazard, traveling and teaching as one of their Certified Electrical Safety Consultants. He was a dedicated member of the IEEE ESW Occupational Safety and Health Committee. Recently, Dennis had the honor of being a presenter at the International IEEE Electrical Safety Workshop, a distinction he was very proud of and culminated his 50-year career in Electrical Construction and 30+ years in Electrical Safety.

Dennis’s greatest joy in life was spending time with his family. Loki and Dennis took blacksmithing classes, scuba diving classes, went zip-lining, indoor skydiving, fishing, held nerf gun battles, participated in cub scouts and built a forge together. Anything Loki wanted to do Dennis was right there encouraging and participating. He was fond of saying “Loki is the coolest play toy I ever had”.

Dennis enjoyed traveling with Loki and Becky. It did not matter if it was a trip to a zoo or aquarium in another state, a family trip with Gran to Virginia, or a grand adventure like Alaska or a cruise to celebrate his wedding anniversary with Becky. Dennis was always ready to travel and experience new destinations. He planned to retire to a cabin in the mountains and travel with Becky, his soul mate, loving partner and wife of almost 40 years.  Dennis was planning a family vacation to the Grand Canyon, one of the many destinations on his bucket list. Becky and Loki will make the journey this Summer in Dennis’s memory.

One of Dennis’s proudest moments was when Loki graduated from high school and was accepted at SUNY Oswego. He was looking forward to their college graduation in 2023. Dennis will be with Loki on that eventful day and every day of their life.  Dennis was looking forward to the future when he would one day welcome Loki’s spouse into the family and be a grandfather, sharing “Dad jokes” with his grandchildren.

Dennis was a talented and passionate wood carver and craftsmen. His love of animals and wildlife was carried into his carvings. Over the years he carved decoys, otters, Santas, fish, waterfowl, a fruit bat and a barn owl for Loki. When a beloved family member passed, Dennis would carve a special angel Christmas ornament in their memory. For each milestone in Loki’s life, Dennis would carve a special commemorative Christmas ornament. The lovely hand-crafted cradle and rocking horse Dennis made for Loki will be handed down for generations.

Dennis’s love for family and friends was clearly expressed by his willingness to always help others. It did not matter the time of day or night when someone called him for help, he would drop everything and be right there to aid them. Dennis’s “daughters,” Katie and Sarah, held a special place in his heart. As did Chris, Randy, Erin and Jordan. Dennis cherished his lifelong friendships made through high school, college, work and neighbors. He enjoyed his time coaching baseball and softball at North East Little League. The friendships he made with both his players and their parents were very special to him and lasted throughout his life. Each summer Dennis volunteered at the Cal Ripken Babe Ruth World Series, in Aberdeen, Maryland, cheering for every player on every team. Each fall he volunteered at the Waterfowl Festival in Easton, Maryland, an extension of his passion for carving.

Dennis was welcomed into heaven with loving hugs from Gran (Virginia Reed) and excited tail wagging from Ginger and Josie.

A Celebration of Life is planned for the summer. In lieu of flowers and to honor Dennis’s memory and dedication to his family, donations will be gratefully accepted for Loki’s college fund addressed to Rebecca Kennedy, P. O. Box 657, Cecilton, MD 21913.

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