John Joseph Kennedy III, age 61, of Newport News, VA, passed away on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. Born on January 23, 1964, in Troy, New York, John was the beloved child of John Kennedy Jr. (Jack) and was preceded in death by his treasured mother, Judith Kennedy. He grew up traveling as his dad served in the US Navy.
John married Barbara on August 24, 2012, in Newport News, Virginia, and together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and travel. They spent 21 years together and were married for almost 13 years. John has four precious daughters to cherish his memory: Raven Gardner (Jason), Ericka Jurist (Jared), Olivia Grace, and Harper Estelle. He was a proud and loving Papa to Wyatt Gardner, Charlotte Gardner, Luca Jurist, and was excitedly awaiting the arrival of Milo Jurist. He shared love and many stories with his two younger brothers, Robert (Bobby) Kennedy (Tammy) and Charles (Charlie) Kennedy (Jennifer), as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws. He left behind too many friends to count—each one with a story, a laugh, or a memory of the good times they shared.
John worked as the General Manager of Art Newsome, Incorporated, where he dedicated himself to his work and was respected for his leadership, hard work, and sense of humor. He spent over 30 years helping the region and going above and beyond for customers, family, and friends.
A lifelong fan of rock bands like KISS and Foo Fighters, he enjoyed playing guitar, going to concerts, taking the kids and grandkids on adventures, and keeping his hair immaculate. His family and friends will remember him for his sense of humor, kindness, and the way he loved and led with humility, never expecting anything in return. He had the rare gift of making people feel important, greeting you by name, looking you in the eye, listening with intention, and remembering the details that others might forget. His daughters will remember him for all of those things, but also for his unrelenting and unconditional love.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at the Peninsula Funeral Home at 5:00 pm. Guests are encouraged to wear their favorite band t-shirt in his honor and share their favorite memories of him.
“There goes my hero, he’s ordinary.”
