Michael Stanton Kennedy, Jr.

Michael Stanton Kennedy, Jr.

Commander Michael Stanton Kennedy, Jr., USN Ret., formerly of Mt. Union, Pennsylvania, passed away in Mechanicsburg, PA with his children by his side on Wednesday, December 28, 2022.  He was 78.

He was born on September 7, 1944, in Langley Field, Virginia.  He was the son of the late Michael Stanton Kennedy and Catherine Louise (Crownover) Kennedy.

Michael attended Captain Jack High School in Mt. Union and graduated in the class of 1962 where he lettered in baseball, football, and basketball.  After high school he attended Penn State University, where he played football and earned several master’s degrees.
Commander Kennedy worked at the Naval Reserve Center Harrisburg where he was a local recruiter for the United States Naval Academy.  He retired with 20 years of service in the U. S. Navy with several tours in Vietnam; he was awarded the Combat Action Ribbon.
Michael enjoyed football (Penn State and Navy), traveling abroad, walking, reading, fishing, and politics.

He is survived by his son, Christopher D. Kennedy and his significant other, Melissa Martelli, and his daughter, Sherri Gardjulis and her husband, Clido Gardjulis.  Additionally, he is survived by  seven grandchildren:  Nicole Kivlan, Stanton Kennedy, Michael Kennedy, Elizabeth Gardjulis, Andrew Gardjulis, David Gardjulis, and Victoria Gardjulis; and two great-grandchildren, Kennedy and Kaitlyn Kivlan;  brothers, Patrick Kennedy, Dennis Kennedy, and Timothy Kennedy; and a sister, Rose Gladfelter.

In addition to his parents, Michael was preceded in death by his son, Michael Arnold Kennedy, and his sister, Kerry Davidson.
A private interment with military honors will be held at a later date.

Michael’s family has entrusted his care to Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Michael’s full obituary, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign his official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.