Robert J. Kennedy, 91

LEWES - Robert J. Kennedy of Lewes died Saturday, Oct. 27, 2007, in Beebe Hospital, Lewes. He was 91.

Mr. Kennedy was born in New Durham, N.J., on Sept. 21, 1916, son of the late Robert J. and Janet M. Kennedy.

He graduated from Leonardo High School, Middletown, N.J., attended Princeton University, and went on to complete a series of specialized business courses at Goldey Beacom College.

Mr. Kennedy was a loving husband and father who enjoyed above all time spent in the company of his family.

Mr. Kennedy was employed for 64 years in various capacities with the J. Howard Smith Company in Port Monmouth, N.J.; Beaufort, N.C.; and its affiliates, Fish Products Co. and Seacoast Products Co. in Lewes.

During his tenure with Fish Products Co., Mr. Kennedy traveled throughout Chile and Peru to establish new fishing operations and later to Louisiana to oversee the construction of the Seacoast Products Plant at Intercoastal City, La.

When Fish Products Co. and Seacoast Products Co. were sold in 1974, Mr. Kennedy, then the comptroller and general manager, continued to work for the Smith family by becoming the business manager for Mr. Otis H. Smith's real estate and farming interests in Delaware and Alabama.

Mr. Kennedy was appointed by Gov. Charles Terry and confirmed by the Delaware Senate to serve as Sussex County commissioner on the Delaware Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission from March 10, 1966, to May 9, 1973.

He was a member of Bethel United Methodist Church and served on its finance committee for many years.

He also was an active member of the city of Lewes Planning Commission, serving from February 1971 to June 1999.

Mr. Kennedy was a member of Franklin Lodge 109, Beaufort, N.C.; New Bern York Rite, Chapter 46 in New Bern; New Bern Consistory Scottish Rite; and Sudan Temple Shrine, New Bern.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Virginia S. Kennedy, in October 2006.

He is survived by his son, Robert J. Kennedy III and his wife Jan of Lewes; a daughter, Janet E. Kennedy of Milford; a granddaughter, Shelby K. DePrisco and her husband James of Bartlesville, Okla.; grandsons, Robert J. Kennedy IV and his wife, Jennifer of Alexandria, Va., James M. Kennedy of Wilmington, Harvey R. Johnson, Ph.D of New York; a granddaughter, Sarah E. Johnson of Milford; and nine great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Saturday in Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, where friends may call one hour prior.

Burial will follow at Bethel Methodist Cemetery, Lewes.

Instead of flowers, contributions are suggested to Bethel United Methodist Church, 129 W. Fourth St., Lewes, DE; or Beebe Medical Center Foundation, 902 Savannah Road, Lewes, DE 19958.