Daughter: ‘He was unstoppable’
Stratford’s Dick Kennedy remembered as a no-nonsense advocate who wasn’t afraid to speak his mind
STRATFORD — Richard “Dick” Kennedy served honorably in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War, but his service to others continued for decades after his discharge from the military — through work with the VFW, mentoring local students and contributions to myriad other groups and organizations.
Kennedy died Saturday at Bridgeport Hospital. He was 76.
Family and friends remembered Kennedy as a no-nonsense advocate who wasn’t afraid to speak his mind.
Mayor Laura Hoydick said Kennedy was “a true patriot and leader.”
His daughter, Dawn Ogrodowicz, recalled a run for Town Council during which his slogan was “Who cares? Dick Kennedy cares.”
She said the phrase embodied her father, who could be found passing out boxes of Girl Scout cookies, poppies on Memorial Day, pizza at the Vicki Soto 5K, or helping out anywhere else he could lend a hand.
“He really did care,” Ogrodowicz said. “He had his own style and flair. He ruffled some feathers, but at the end of the day, he did it because he cared about whatever cause he was working on.”
His son, Brett Kennedy, said his father’s service with the VFW — he was a past commander of Stratford’s Post 9460 and state commander for District 1 — typified his attitude.
“It wasn’t just because he was retired and something he could do,” Brett said. “It was something deeper to him. The VFW was something that kept him focused and gave him a purpose in life. He truly believed in the cause of the VFW, the mission of the VFW, what the VFW does for the fabric of America and especially for veterans.”
At the same time, he liked having a good time too, Brett said, recalling an interview his father recorded while being cared for at the VA toward the end of his life.
“He said ‘I have an eye for fun,’ ” Brett Kennedy said. “He really did, he loved living life to the fullest. He really was someone that enjoyed trying to seek out fun every day.”
Kennedy, who retired after a career in marine financing, was also an avid sports fan. His son recalled accompanying him to many Yankees games growing up, none more memorable than onehanded pitcher Jim Abbott’s famous no-hitter in 1993.
His naval service brought him to San Diego, where he became a Chargers fan. Closer to home, he supported the Islanders and Bridgeport Sound Tigers. He was a Sound Tigers season ticket holder and escorted the team’s mascot around tree lighting ceremonies at Town Hall.
“He will be missed,” former Sound Tigers employee Tom Galatie said.
Kennedy had what seemed like an inexhaustible supply of energy for others, especially his family.
His daughter recalled family trips to Kennedy’s beloved Block
Island which continued up to his birthday last month, and his sitting through downpours last spring watching her daughter play lacrosse.
“He was unstoppable,” Ogrodowicz said.
“He loved his country and his town but above all else he loved his family and wanted to do whatever he could to provide them a safe, healthy and prosperous environment in which to live,” Hoydick said.
Kennedy loved politics and was a Democrat before becoming a Republican later in life. Members of both parties remembered him fondly, including Hoydick’s 2017 mayoral opponent Stephanie Philips.
“Dick Kennedy served his country and his community with honor every day of his life,” she said.
Many also remembered Kennedy’s work to educate local students about veterans and the military.
“He was instrumental in working with the Stratford Public Schools to bring veterans and active military servicemen to students so they could learn and hear first-hand the personal sacrifice and discipline required to serve in the military to preserve our rights and freedoms,” Hoydick said.
Mike Piroh, a history teacher at Bunnell High School, said Kennedy would visit his classroom every year.
“He always had the kids’ attention. He would always tell stories about his service, but he would also talk passionately about serving in the military in any branch, how important it was to the country,” Piroh said.
“The kids who sometimes didn’t have too much interest seemed to gravitate toward Dick during that time. I always seemed to learn something new about him every time he came in,” Piroh said. “He was a pleasure. He was a class act. It’s a tough loss for everybody.”
Friends may greet his family on Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Dennis & D'Arcy — Abriola & Kelemen Funeral Home, 2611 Main St., with military honors concluding the service. Immediately following visitation hours, there will be a Celebration of Life at the VFW Post 9460, 100 Veterans Blvd., where the family invites friends to honor and toast his memory. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to VFW Post 9460, 100 Veterans Blvd. Stratford CT 06615.