Councilmember John J. Kennedy Dies After Illness

District 3 City Councilmember John J. Kennedy, who was elected to the City Council in 2013, died on Thursday. Kennedy was 61. The cause of his death was not immediately available.

“While we are all deeply saddened by the sudden loss of our friend and colleague, John Kennedy, we should always remember and celebrate his many accomplishments and contributions to our city and beyond,” said Mayor Victor Gordo.

“John Kennedy loved Pasadena and the people of Pasadena. He worked hard every day to make Pasadena a better place for everyone. He dedicated himself to helping others, and we are all better off because of his efforts. His was a life well-lived.”

At the request of Mayor Gordo and City Council, flags at all City facilities have been lowered to half-staff in solemn tribute to Councilmember Kennedy. 

“We and our family of employees send our condolences and prayers to the entire Kennedy family and residents of District 3,” read a city hall statement.

At the request of Councilmember Kennedy’s family, in lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to a scholarship fund held in the name of the Kennedy family at the Pasadena Community Foundation.

Councilmember Kennedy’s family kindly asks that they be provided privacy during this difficult time. More information will be forthcoming at a later time.

Kennedy was elected to serve as a Councilmember after Chris Holden decided to seek a seat in the Assembly.

Kennedy also served on the City Council’s Finance and Public Safety committees. Previously Kennedy served as one of three City representatives to the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority.

“I am deeply saddened to learn of John’s passing. He had an extraordinary sense of community and family. His love of the city of Pasadena was palpable, and his dedication to public service and to his city is unparalleled. John was a thoughtful and collaborative partner that effectively represented his local community’s needs,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “He will be greatly missed.”

Kennedy was a tireless advocate for police oversight and at one point was the lone supporter of an oversight commission on the City Council. That changed after the death of motorist George Floyd in Minneapolis. 

“I am deeply saddened and shocked by the news of our colleague and friend John Kennedy,” said former Councilmember Jacque Robinson. “The Robinson-Baisley family extends our condolences to Lena and the entire Kennedy family. John had a personality and spirit that served Pasadena long before he became a member of the City Council. He served with unrelenting passion and love for this City and the people who live here. Especially the Black community and working to ensure our contributions to this community are acknowledged, celebrated, and memorialized. He will for sure be missed as a longtime leader of Pasadena.”  

In June, voters decided to send Kennedy back to the City Council for another term with nearly 60% of the vote over first-time candidate Brandon Lamar.

“I’m devastated to hear about the passing of Mr. Kennedy,” Lamar told Pasadena Now. “My thoughts and prayers are with his family.  John loved this city and his passion for Pasadena will be greatly missed. He has been very instrumental in taking Pasadena and especially district 3 to the place it is now.”

News of Kennedy’s death began to circulate throughout the community Thursday afternoon.

“John was a true son of Pasadena,” said former mayor Rick Cole. “He knew people in every corner and at every level of our diverse community. He was passionate about justice, progress and representation and his voice will long be missed.”

Cole knew Kennedy from John’s days at McKinley Junior High and at least one teacher said the teenager could grow up to be President.

Even if he did not live in the White House, John left his mark. He knew President Barack Obama and current President Joe Biden, who he helped bring to Pasadena during the campaign.  

According to the City Charter, the City Council will have 75 days to choose a replacement for Kennedy. The appointed successor would serve in the seat until the next election.

 It is not known if a special election is an option. 

“I’m shocked by the news,” said longtime Pasadena business owner Robin Salzer. “John was a strong supporter of small business and property owners. He did things his way. He was a good man and will be missed by many in the community. God bless John Kennedy.” 

From a young age, John dedicated his life’s work to serving others. Born and reared in Pasadena, he served as Student Body President at Blair High School and Student Senator at the University of Southern California, where he received dual degrees in International Relations and Economics. He earned a Juris Doctor Degree from Howard University School of Law, and was the youngest person to have served as President of the Pasadena Branch of the NAACP. 

“Today’s loss is felt especially deeply by PCC’s Black students and employees. John frequently advocated for the Black community at PCC, striving for equity and an end to racial inequality. In his focus on justice he inspired us all to fight stronger for these ideals,’ said PCC Superintendent/President Dr. Erika Endrijonas. “For that work we are eternally grateful.”