Obituary of Dennis Allen Kennedy
Dennis Allen Kennedy was born on October 28, 1959 in Detroit, Michigan. He was one of six children born from the union of the late Jack Kennedy and Phyllis (Cottrell) Kennedy. Dennis attended Fitzgerald High School in Warren, graduating with the class of 1977. Following graduation, Dennis took some time to see the world. He spent about a year traveling through Europe and across the United States. Upon his return he enlisted in the United States Navy serving his country honorably.
For several years, Dennis served his community as volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician for the London-Maybee-Raisinville Fire Department. Dennis worked hard to support his family, traveling to various places when his help was needed. He specialized in decommissioning nuclear power plants, and most recently was employed as an independent contractor.
Dennis married the love of his life, Debra Kay Qualey on December 13, 1996 in Monroe, and the couple made their home in Newport. Dennis stayed active, enjoying golf and world travel, constantly meeting new people. He was an avid sports fan, being fond of the Detroit Tiger’s and University of Michigan. Dennis was a regular at karaoke, singing some of his favorite songs and dancing. In his downtime he enjoyed studying history with a focus on war and cherished spending time with his grandson.
Dennis, age 58 of Newport passed away at 4:23pm on Monday, December 11, 2017 at home. His passing was preceded by his father.
To cherish his memory, Dennis leaves his beloved wife of nearly twenty-one years: Debra Kay Kennedy of Newport; children: Shannon and Janie Collins of Newport; his mother: Phyllis Kennedy of Shelby Township; four brothers: Bruce (Cindy) Kennedy of Sterling Heights, Keith (Patty) Kennedy of Monticello, Indiana, Gary (Beth) Kennedy of Shelby Township and Scott (Nicole) Kennedy of Rochester Hills; a sister: Susan Adam of Huntington Beach, California; and a grandson: Stephen “Finn” Isaac
Friends may gather from 2:00pm-8:00pm on Thursday, December 14, 2017 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street Monroe (734) 384-5185. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00am on Friday, December 15, 2017 also at Merkle’s with Father Anthony Camilleri of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Newport officiating. Procession will follow to St. Charles Cemetery for burial.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to wishes of the family. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.