David L Kennedy Sr.

David Leon Kennedy Sr., affectionately known as "Sonny", passed away peacefully on August 24, 2022.  Born on April 20,1940 in Durham, NC to David J. Kennedy and Janie Bell Miles Kennedy, he was raised alongside his sister Mattie Reece.  He was educated in the Durham Public School System where he graduated from high school and began his working career.  This is where he developed his strong business mindset and work ethic.  In the 1960s, Sonny moved to New Haven, Connecticut, where he met his wife of over 51 years, Susan Maye Kennedy and they raised their sons Rodney Maye and David Leon Kennedy Jr.

At birth, Sonny's name was placed on the membership roll of the United House of Prayer for All People, in Durham, NC.  He achieved high honors in the House of Prayer for his financial contributions from the Honorable Bishop W. McCollough.  He played a vital role to the church by protecting Bishop McCollough as he traveled from city to city.  This was a job that he loved and consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to.

Sonny was one of the first African American men in New Haven to own a business on Dixwell Avenue "Kennedy's Market."  He reveled in his role as a black business owner in a community where they were far and in between.  He took his role seriously and used this as an opportunity to also teach his children, nieces, and nephews about the value of money and running a business.  He also worked at the Winchester Gun Maker Factory and The New Haven Country Club, where he later retired.

For Sonny, "tough times never last, tough people do."  When it came to family, he strived to be a provider and a protector.  His strong family values were rooted in his loyalty, support, selflessness, and always thinking of the needs of others before his own.

Sonny leaves to celebrate his life: Wife, Susan Kennedy of New Haven, CT; Children Artwin Gunn of Duham, NC, Eric (Carol) Kennedy of New Haven, CT, Lilian Wilder of Durham, NC, Darryl Kennedy of Durham, NC, Rodney Maye of New Haven, CT, Tyler David Grier of Augusta, GA; Grandchildren Rodney Maye Jr., Darryl Maye, Rodneisha Maye, Christy Gardner of New Haven, CT, Traquillia Kennedy of Philadelphia, PA, Clayton Wilder, Tasha Wilder, Josháu Wilder, Frederick Wilder of Durham, NC; Great Grandchildren Raymond Maye, Ryan Maye, Torres Rogers of New Haven, CT, Sincear Walter of Philadelphia, PA and a host of other relatives and friends that loved him dearly.

He is preceded in death by his parents David and Janie Kennedy, sister Mattie Reece, sons Kevin Mack and David Leon Kennedy Jr, and daughter by heart, Sharon Walker Williams.

Funeral Services entrusted to McClam Funeral Home 95 Dixwell Avenue New Haven, CT 06511 and A.D. Givens Funeral Services.

Funeral Service September 2, 2022, 11:00 AM at Trinity Temple 285 Dixwell Avenue New Have, CT 06511.

Graveside and Burial September 8,2022 11:30 AM at Evergreen Cemetery 162 Evergreen Drive Chester, SC 29706.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of David L Kennedy Sr., please visit our floral store.