Charles J. "Jerry" Kennedy

Charles Jerome “Jerry” Kennedy, 90, of Arvada passed away peacefully on May19, 2022 with 3 generations of family members to say goodbye. He was born July 9, 1931 in Denver to Michael and Mary (Kilkenny) Kennedy. Jerry graduated from Holy Family and served in the U.S. Air Force, then attended Regis College. Jerry married Joan A. (Persichitte) Kennedy on May 5, 1952, they had an enduring love for each other for 70 years of marriage. Joan is known as “St. Joan” in the family and was Dad’s biggest cheerleader during his many successes and his rock to lean on in the tough times.

Jerry became a Denver Police officer in 1957 and moved up the ranks quickly  retiring as a Division Chief in 1991. During his celebrated career he mentored innumerable officers, who remain dear friends to this day. He, Ron Pietrofesso and Bob Cantwell provided security for Elvis Presley in the 70’s and Elvis generously bought them all luxury sedans. Dad also befriended Bill Coors, Bill Daniels, Joe Leprino, Jack Vickers and Dave McReynolds who were generous friends. Daniels dedicated the Denver PAL Center in Jerrys’ name. Because he gave his heart and soul to his police job we thought it was going to be very hard for him to retire. We didn't have to worry long.

In retirement, Dad loved playing golf with buddies - playing every time he could.  He was a member at Bear Creek Golf Club and he also had outings in Scotland and Ireland. Besides golf, he enjoyed innumerable lunch’s and breakfasts with his friends talking about his beloved Bronco’s, Rockies, and Nuggets, world politics and the good ol' days on the force.

In addition to his wife Joan, he is survived by his children, Tom Kennedy and his wife, Elaine (Sanders), Kate (Kennedy) Eagleton and her husband, Mike, and Colleen Kennedy and her husband, John Brewer, his sister, Maureen Kennedy, his grandchildren, Case Kennedy Albinson and her husband Kevin, Jessica Kennedy and her partner Max Costello, Madeline Eagleton, Caroline Brewer, Ben Eagleton, Michael Brewer, and his great grandchild Auggie. He is preceded in death by his parents, Mary (Kilkenny) and Michael Kennedy, brothers George Kennedy, Robert Kennedy, Vincent “Pat” Kennedy, Phillip “Phil” Kennedy, Eugene “Gene” Kennedy, sisters Isabel “Terry” (Fleming) Kennedy, and Rita (Hill) Kennedy.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, May 27, 2022 at 10:00 am at Holy Family Catholic Church 4377 Utica St. Denver, CO 80212. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery 12801 W. 44th Ave. Wheat Ridge, CO. 80033. A reception with comments by guests will be held following the burial at the Holy Family Church Reception Center adjacent to the Church.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Mullen Home for the Aged - Little Sisters of the Poor Denver.