Thomas J. Kennedy

Thomas “Tom” J. Kennedy, 79, of down town South Otis, MA, passed away peacefully on December 28, 2025 at Berkshire Medical Center.  Tom was born at St. Luke’s Hospital in Pittsfield, MA on August 26, 1946 to Adrienne and Jack Kennedy of Lenox, MA.

Tom grew up in Lenox and spent a lot of his time with family and friends.  As a kid, he loved going fishing, downhill skiing and water skiing with his cousins.  Tom graduated from Lenox High School in 1964.  He was enlisted in the coast Guard from June 13, 1966 till June 12, 1970.  Tom married the love of his life, Thelma Rowley on April 6, 1968 at St. Ann’s Church in Lenox, MA.

Tom delivered  Home Gas for a few years after the Coast Guard.  He then went to work for MT Cavanaugh for years before he and Thelma started and ran T. Kennedy Co. Inc. which he operated for 40 years.  Tom was a life time member of the Great Barrington VFW.  He was also a long time member of the Knox Trail Snow Riders Club, where he was a volunteer trail worker and groomer.  Tom also helped build many of the trails and bridges.  He was also on the Otis Volunteer Fire Department. 

You could find Tom most recently at Larry’s gas station in the morning for coffee and a breakfast sandwich and a quick conversation to catch up with local news, then in the afternoon you could find him at one of the local watering holes on his favorite stool.  At the age of 77, Tom was very proud how he had to take drivers ed again and passed!

Tom lived on his own and doing things in his own way until the end.

Tom is preceded by his wife Thelma who died on August 22, 2008.  He is survived by his daughter: Vinette Kennedy Crowe and her husband TJ of Otis; his son: John Kennedy and his wife Kelly also of Otis.  His most cherished joys are his grandchildren; grandson: Cole Kennedy and granddaughters: Elizabeth Crowe and Shea Kennedy.  He also leaves his cat, Opie

There will be a funeral service on Saturday, January 17th at 10 AM at the Kelly Funeral Home in Lee.  Burial will take place in the Spring in Otis Cemetery.  Visiting hours will be on Friday, January 16th from 4-6 PM also at the Funeral Home. 

Friends wishing may make donations in his memory to the Berkshire Humane Society or the Otis Fire Department in c/o the Kelly Funeral Home   3 Main Street   Lee, MA   01238.