Dennis Patrick Kennedy, 81, died peacefully on Saturday, February 18, 2023 in Southborough surrounded by his loving family.
Dennis was born in Toronto, Canada, the son of the late Edmond and Mildred (Bernard) Kennedy.
Dennis is survived by his wife of 61 years Carolyn M. (White) Kennedy, his two sons, Michael C. Kennedy and his husband Tiago of Southborough, David P. Kennedy and his wife Adela of Northborough, his daughter, Julie D. Kennedy Doherty of Southborough, seven grandchildren, Gabriella, Tatyana, Christina, Marc, Danielle, Caroline and Michael.
He was predeceased by his granddaughter, Brianna C. Kennedy in 2002, his son-in-law, Marc D. Doherty in 2009, two sisters, Carmela Philbrick in 2019 and Marie Gelina in 2021, and a brother, Michael E. Kennedy.
In June of 1981, with a great deal of courage and determination, Dennis and Carolyn realized a dream of opening their own restaurant, Kennedy’s Pub in Marlborough. Dennis was a renowned chef in the area serving restaurants such as Wallace’s, the Maridor, and the Sea & Surf in Framingham; also, Alphonse’s Powder Mill in Maynard among many others. In 1973, he was named head chef at the Coach Lite Restaurant on Main Street in Marlborough. There, he introduced the open kitchen concept, Delmonico potatoes, and his chicken finished with supreme sauce which later became the ever-popular Kennedy’s Pub Chicken Supreme, often duplicated but never matched! He always had a smile on his face when his popular dish would pop up on menus in the area. While operating the Pub he opened another large restaurant and banquet facility, Kennedy’s West, near the I-495 interchange in Marlborough. It later sold and was re-developed and is now the home of the Hampton Inn. Later he opened Kennedy’s Market where all the goodness of the Pub and more was offered to his cherished customers. Dennis Kennedy was truly an entrepreneur.
He adored summers spent with family and friends at his lake home in Maine, treating all to rides in his beloved antique mahogany boats. And, winters were enjoyed in Naples, Florida playing golf, enjoying the beach, and being the neighborhood fix-it guy helping those in need. Dennis was also an accomplished painter and sculptor, creating many works that were tailored and gifted to those he thought would enjoy them.
Dennis had a great sense of community and was dedicated to improving life for Marlborough residents. He was proud to participate and support The Evening of Giving and Roland’s House fundraisers among others. He was abundantly grateful for the support and patronage of his customers and thought of them as part of his extended Kennedy Family. Dennis will be truly missed by all.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday, February 26, from 2-6 p.m. in the Short & Rowe Funeral Home, 95 W. Main St., Marlborough, MA.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, February 27, 2023 at 11 a.m. St. Matthew Parish, 105 Southville Rd., Southborough, MA.
Private burial will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Dennis’ name to www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org
(Photo and Obituary via Short & Rowe Funeral Home)
