Francis Senan Kennedy

Francis Senan Kennedy Jr., beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend, was born on September 14, 1954, in San Antonio, Texas. The family then moved to Chateauroux, France followed by Moses Lake, WA before settling in Riverside, California in 1961. In 1995, Senan made his family’s new home new home in Benicia, CA where he lived for the past 30 years. To friends and family, he went by his middle name, Senan. Senan earned his bachelor’s degree and dedicated more than 39 years of service with AT&T, eventually retiring as a network engineer. Known for his strong work ethic and reliability, he took great pride in his career and was respected by colleagues throughout his long professional life. Senan honorably served his country in the United States Navy from 1975 to 1979. A man of deep interests, Senan was a devoted history buff, particularly fascinated with studying military history and World War II. He enacted this passion through volunteer work aimed at honoring Benicia’s military veterans. He organized the veterans’ section of the July 3rd Torchlight Parade in which veterans, chauffeured in real WWII jeeps, marched in the parade. He also orchestrated color guard rifle salutes on Memorial Day to honor deceased veterans in Benicia’s military cemetery, and served on the board of directors for the Benicia Historical Museum, also known as the Camel Barn. Senan also loved classic cowboy movies, was a lifelong fan of rock and roll (especially The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Frank Zappa and other, more obscure artists,) and was an avid motorcycle rider who loved Triumph and Harley Davidson bikes. Above all, Senan cherished time spent with his family. He especially treasured moments with his grandchildren, who brought him immense joy and pride. He is survived by his son, Taylor Kennedy and his longtime partner, Marissa Bender; Trevor Cotarelo and his wife, Rachel Cotarelo; his former wife, Joyce ”Jet” Kennedy; his brother Kevin Kennedy and his wife, Katy Kennedy; his sister Karen Hamilton, and her son Derek Hamilton; his sister Kristine Kennedy, and her son Rory Dougherty and daughter Kaley Herring; and his three grandchildren, Parker, Stella, and Talen Cotarelo. He was preceded in death by his brother, Patrick Kennedy, and his parents, Fran Kennedy and Ruth Kennedy Parks. Memorial services with military honors will be held Thursday, February 5th at Passalacqua Funeral Chapel at 11am, 901 West 2nd Street, Benicia, California. A private burial will follow at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, California. Senan will be remembered for his dedication, curiosity, generosity of spirit, and the deep love he held for his family. He was known to always root for the underdog and for his steadfast loyalty to those he cared about most. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the memories he leaves behind.

Francis Senan Kennedy

September 14, 1954 - December 14, 2025