Thomas Joseph Kennedy

Thomas Joseph Kennedy, born 5 September 1931 in Killenaule, Tipperary, Ireland to Jack Kennedy and Mai O’Sullivan, passed away Feb. 3, 2023 at the age of 91. He is survived by his sons – Mossy, Donal and Sean, and grandchildren Caroline, Catalina, and Liliana.

Forever proud of being a Tipperary man, this is was here Tom initiated his hurling, singing and entrepreneurial skills – utilizing the family greyhound to catch rabbits – meat for the family, and pelts to be sold to a man in Thurles, who sold them to the English to line their bomber jackets.

The family moved to Thurles, where Tom attended Thurles C.B.S  (Christian Brothers School) and was taught by characters such as Big Dan. He enjoyed playing on the hurling team, acquiring  knowledge, and gaining the camaraderie through enduring the Christian Brother’s experience.

The growing family moved up to Dublin where Tom went to work for Rooney’s Engravers, on College Street where he bicycled home to St. Pappin’s Green for lunch everyday. Dublin, to Tom, was dancehalls and sport. A passionate hurler, Tom played widely, starring with Patrick Moran’s GAA Club. Although Gaelic Football was not his first love, he  helped found Ballymun Gaels, which later, through sponsorship, became Ballymun Kickhams  - one of Ireland’s top clubs. He volunteered widely – in politics working with Liam Cosgrove, who would later become Taoiseach (prime minister), and with the GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association), stewarding at Croke Park, and eventually, fatefully,  meeting Alice Murphy. A spark was kindled at a Pioneer Club Dance, but with Tom being the eldest in the now full Kennedy house, and all the mouths to be fed, London called.

Purposeful in his intent in London, he wanted to make enough money to make it to America. Day one in London he was hired as Assistant to the Chief Engineer of British Wax Wrappings. Day two the Chief Engineer died. Day three Tom was named the chief engineer.

“I have no experience in engineering,” he told them honestly.

“You have two more days experience than anybody else.”

They loved him. Cleverly he learned the right questions to ask, whom to rely on, and how to get things done with no experience. They loved him.

Eyes on the prize, Tom picked up extra work at a cinema, as well as Ward’s Irish House in Piccadilly Circus. He had a postcard of California stuck in the corner of his bedsit mirror – shivering, shaving, and dreaming of California.

From Cobh Tom boarded the SS America with cardboard suitcase full of clothes, and hopes, bound for New York where he would make his way to California.

Tom tasted California, started a career with Matson Steam Ship Lines, and decided it was too good to be spent alone – venturing back to Dublin to ask for the hand of, and propose to Alice Murphy, whom he would be married to for 59 years

Settling in Long Beach, Tom was a leader in the Irish Community for many years. He was active in Gaelic sport, most especially his beloved hurling. He organized dances, always ran the bar, and was actively involved in fundraising for the Irish Cultural Center and the needs of the Irish community – especially those with medical bills. Tom eventually organized and ran non-profit charter flights to Ireland.

Tom and his wife Alice were actively involved in the St. Cornelius Parish for many years. In the later years they were active in the People for Others Group where Tom ran bus trips to Laughlin, Nevada.

Tom Kennedy is survived also by his siblings Netty, Dublin, Johnny, Dunboyne, Co. Meath, and Patrick, London, Ontario, Canada as well as numerous nephews and nieces across the globe.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h'anam dílis. Fior Gael.

In lieu of flowers, if you would like to make a donation:

Brother Benno's Foundation

3260 Production Avenue

Oceanside, CA. 92058

brotherbenno.org

Luyben Dilday Mortuary (562) 425-6401