Public Memorial Service to be Held For Councilmember Kennedy in September

A public service for Councilmember John J. Kennedy will be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 30 in Centennial Square in front of City Hall.

A reception will follow from 6:30 to 8 p.m. 

Kennedy died on July 21. He was recently elected to another four-year term by voters in District 3.

Tributes continue to pour in from across the region for the lifelong Pasadena resident.

“John was passionate for the people, places and causes that he held near to his heart. Northwest Pasadena and healthcare access for underserved, at risk populations were just a few of the many topics that we discussed at length,” Margaret B. Martinez, ChapCare’s chief executive officer. “He supported ChapCare’s

medical and other clinical services as a fundamental resource for all residents of Pasadena. He saw this as a way that impacted people and neighborhoods could achieve their best quality of life and build stronger communities.”

“Everyone at ChapCare sends our condolences to the entire Kennedy family, neighborhoods of Northwest

Pasadena, and the residents and staff of the City of Pasadena who were touched by his shining light, extinguished much too soon.”

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.

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 grew up in Pasadena and attended Blair High School. Former Mayor Bill Paparian is calling on the Pasadena Unified School District to rename the amphitheater at the school in Kennedy’s honor.

The City Council will adjourn in Kennedy’s name on Monday and honor him.

Meanwhile, in a statement Mayor Victor Gordo said the City Council is in the early stages of the process to choose a replacement to represent District 3.

“While it is important that we take time to grieve, we recognize also that the needs of the residents, organizations, and local businesses of the District must continue to be met, as we know Mr. Kennedy would have wanted,” Gordo said. “As Mayor of Pasadena I represent residents citywide and my office is available to provide assistance with constituent and

District 3 matters, as needed.  The City Council has begun the process and has 75 days to appoint an interim Councilmember to serve the remainder of Mr. Kennedy’s current term.  More information about the process will be forthcoming.”

Kennedy’s term ends in December.

“Our City and community continues to mourn the unexpected passing last week of District 3 Councilmember, John J. Kennedy.  Like many of you, we remain shocked and saddened at the loss of this giant of an advocate who fought every day to make Pasadena a better, stronger community for everyone.  We are working together to support Mr. Kennedy’s family and his staff through this difficult time.”