John Kennedy, 89, of Union Twp. passed away peacefully Sunday morning, November 4, 2018, in Rhodes Estates, New Castle.

Mr. Kennedy was born August 7, 1929, in Shenango Twp., a son of the late John C. and Esther E. (Houk) Kennedy. A lifelong area resident, he graduated from Shenango High School and honorably served in the U.S. Air Force from 1947 to 1950.

John retired from Rexnord, Inc., Ellwood City, where he worked as a fitter for many years.

He was a member of Independent Methodist Church, New Castle.

John enjoyed gardening, woodworking and singing.

His wife of 37 years, the former Grace L. LaRitz, passed away June 9, 2017.

Surviving are: a brother, Donald E. Kennedy, of New Castle; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife and parents, John was preceded in death by four brothers, Clair, Merle, Kenneth and Paul Kennedy; and 5 sisters, Catherine Baker, Thelma St. John, Anna Nene, Margaret Miller and Betty Geneviva.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Independent Methodist Church, P.O. Box 7805, New Castle, PA 16107.

Calling hours will be 1 p.m. until the time of service Wednesday (11-7-18) in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 111 W. Falls St.  New Castle.

Funeral service will be 3 p.m. Wednesday, in the funeral home, with Rev. Frederick Gilbert, officiating. Military rites will be conducted by the New Castle Area Honor Guard.

Entombment: Slippery Rock Presbyterian Cemetery Mausoleum, Ellwood City.