Matthew John Kennedy

It is with profound sadness and endless love that we announce the passing of Matthew John Kennedy, who left us on June 8, 2026, at the age of 54. 
Matthew was a kind, generous, and remarkable man whose presence brought light, laughter, and warmth wherever he went. Blessed with many talents, he lived life with passion, curiosity, and an adventurous spirit that inspired all who knew him.
A successful model, certified medical technician, and certified rescue diver, Matthew approached life with courage, dedication, and compassion. He possessed a natural ability to connect with people and a wonderful sense of humor that could brighten even the darkest day. His kindness, generosity, and genuine concern for others left an indelible mark on the hearts of family, friends, and colleagues.
Gifted with a creative soul, Matthew was deeply artistic and found beauty in the world around him, a quality reflected in his love of music, theatre, ballet, dancing, acting, travel, and documentaries. He embraced adventure wholeheartedly and was happiest when exploring the wonders of nature. Whether skiing, horseback riding, scuba diving beneath the ocean's surface, surfing the waves, fly fishing in a quiet stream, or climbing mountains in search of new horizons, he pursued each experience with enthusiasm, courage, and awe. He loved to tell stories of the adventures he shared in the Costa Rican rainforest with his beloved Aunt Petti and cousin Betsy. He returned from France with seeds from Monet’s garden and called Canada and California home at different times in his life.
Above all, Matthew treasured his family. He loved deeply and wholeheartedly, and nothing brought him greater joy than spending time with those closest to him. His nieces and nephews held a special place in his heart, and he delighted in watching them grow, encouraging their dreams, and sharing laughter and adventures with them. He took great pleasure in caring for others, humans and animals alike, and shared his love of fine food and his culinary talents by cooking for those he loved.
Matthew is survived by his loving mother, Ferne Lambert; his father, Donald Kennedy; his brothers, Keith Kennedy and his wife, Margaret, and Donald Kennedy Jr; his aunt, Patricia Lambert; many cousins, especially Betsy and Bobby Yaap and Laura and Sean Kennedy, with whom he shared a close bond; his beloved nieces, Maeve and Madison Kennedy; his cherished nephews, Quinn, Shane, and Ryan Kennedy; and many aunts and uncles on the Kennedy side of the family. He was predeceased by his stepfather, Jack Chiodi, with whom he shared a very close and loving bond.
Though our hearts are broken by his loss, we are forever grateful for the gift of having known and loved him. We will remember his adventurous spirit, artistic talents, infectious humor, compassionate heart, and the boundless love he shared so freely.
Matthew lived boldly, loved deeply, laughed often, and embraced every adventure life placed before him. His memory will continue to inspire us, and his spirit will remain forever present in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Matthew will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, June 13, at 9:45 a.m. at St. Aedan’s Church in Pearl River. The burial will be private. 
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Matthew’s memory to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), in honor of his love for animals. https://secure.aspca.org/donate/memorial