Charlie "Challie" "Zip" Kennedy, beloved husband, father, uncle, cousin and friend passed peacefully Saturday, October 14th. He was born October 28, 1933 to Charles and Rose Kennedy in Plainfield, New Jersey. He left high school after his 9th year and worked as a house painter in his father's business. In 1952, he enlisted in the Navy serving his country during the Korean War. He completed his GED while serving. After his discharge, he became a patrolman in the Fanwood Police Department and later partnered with friend Tony Arcuri operating Southwood Esso, Fanwood, NJ. He became a Mason in the late 1960's. He worked as an Exxon sales representative for several years. He returned to retail to service stations and at one time owned multiple locations along with partner Ed Simonds. In 1986 due to a chronic back ailment, he passed his remaining station on to his son Sean. After a brief stint in residential mortgage sales, he once again returned to the service station business. He became a residential real estate agent in 2001 which he later admitted was the career he was meant to have. His homes were filled with trophies and achievement awards from every phase of his life.
He was an avid and passionate pinochle player, the game played by his family for generations and one he shared with Mary and his children since they were old enough to hold the cards. He was all about family, whether it was his or his extended. He was always available, always involved and was an ever present champion for their happiness and well being. He so looked forward to family gatherings, 6 handed pinochle games, hosting countless parties at his homes through the years. He was a lifelong fan of almost everything automotive. His love for auto racing and vintage automobiles were a recurring conversational theme in their homes with guests and family, a passion he shared with his son Sean.
He was loved by so many but none more than those that were closest to him. Always introducing his wife of 60 years as "my bride Mary", they enjoyed a story book romance. His children Sean, Katie and Kelly are forever grateful for his lifelong devotion to them and their lives. They are heartbroken by his passing. He is survived by his bride Mary, his son Sean and wife Linda; their children Megan, Courtney, Chris, Ryan and great-granddaughter Olivia; his daughter Katie Bettencourt and late husband John, his daughter Kelly Kraft and husband Rick; their children Erin and Rob. He is also survived by many close cousins, nieces and nephews all of whom deeply mourn his passing.
He will be forever remembered for his warmth and compassion; his unending energy and unstoppable drive; for the way he "told it like it was" in a way that never offended; his award winning role as father; and in the role he cherished above all others, as husband to his bride Mary.
Visitation will be 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, October 24th at Orender Funeral Home, Manasquan. There will be a mass in his honor on Wednesday, October 25th at Holy Innocents Church in Neptune at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers the family asks that anyone touched by the life of Charlie pass that good fortune on by doing a good deed for another.
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