Walter T. Kennedy Jr. Served in World War II

Walter Thomas Kennedy Jr. of Tisbury died at home on Friday, May 13 surrounded by his family. He was 78 years old.

Walter was a veteran of World War II, serving in the 40th Infantry Division and recipient of the Purple Heart for wounds received in battle, the Philippine Liberation ribbon with bronze star, the World War II victory medal, the Army of Occupation medal and the Asiatic-Pacific campaign medal.

He was the beloved husband of Shirley (Stevens) Kennedy of Vineyard Haven and the brother of Donald Kennedy of Warwick, R.I.

Loving father of Michael S. Kennedy and his wife, Jeanne Marie of Amherst, N.H., Walter Thomas Kennedy III of Las Vegas, Nev., Jackie Larkin and her husband, Mike of Waseca, Minn., Colin H. Kennedy of Tisbury, Jeffrey C. Kennedy and his wife Lynn of Andover, Jean MacDonald and her husband, Robert of Braintree. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Walter was a retired director of guidance of 31 years from the Duxbury High School. He worked in retirement at E.C. Cottle's lumber yard in Lambert's Cove. Walter served on the parish council of the Catholic Church of the Good Sheppard Parish. He was also a member of the American Legion Post #257 and the Holy Ghost Society.

His funeral mass was celebrated in St. Augustine Church in Vineyard Haven on Monday, May 16. Interment followed in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Vineyard Haven. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Hospice of Martha's Vineyard, P.O. Box 2549 Oak Bluffs, MA, 02557.