Brian L. Kennedy

Brian L. Kennedy of Waldwick, NJ passed away surrounded by his family on November 22, 2024 after a difficult battle with cancer. He had just celebrated his 75th birthday with his family.

Beloved husband, father and grandfather, Brian is survived by his wife of 39 years, Barbara Hanks Kennedy, his son Connor and his wife Miranda, his daughter Meghan Biango and her husband Jonathan Biango and their three children, Siena, Caden and Nolan.

Brian was born in Needham, MA to Thomas and Eileen Kennedy. He is survived by his sister Kathleen Collins and brothers, Tom, Stephen, Larry, Owen, Mark and John Kennedy. He attended Catholic Memorial High School and graduated from Northeastern University.

After initially starting a career as an English teacher, Brian moved to New York in the early 80s to grow his career in the garment industry. A frequent traveler, he met Barbara in 1984 on a flight home. Brian and Barbara moved to Waldwick in 1989 to raise their family.

An avid hiker and camper, Brian spent a significant amount of time on the trails exploring Ramapo, Harriman and Darlington. His favorite place in the world was his family’s home on Cape Cod, which he visited each summer. He inherited a unique skill of woodworking from his father and spent spare time crafting furniture, celtic designs and more.

One of the greatest joys of his life was becoming a “Gpa” and spending time with his grandchildren.

A celebration of Brian’s life will be held at Vander Plaat Funeral Home, 257 Godwin Ave, Wyckoff, NJ on Sunday, December 1 from 1:00 – 4:00 pm. A funeral mass will be held at Our Lady of Mount Carmel RC Church, 1 Passaic Street, Ridgewood, NJ on Monday, December 2 at 10:00 am. Interment will follow at Maryrest Cemetery, Mahwah, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made on behalf of Brian L. Kennedy to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

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