Matthew F. Kennedy

Matthew Frederick Kennedy Matthew Frederick Kennedy, 81, of Coxsackie, NY, died December 3, 2023, following a long illness. Born November 19, 1942, in Albany, NY, he was the only child of James M. Kennedy (son of Matthew Kennedy and Ellen (Maloney) Kennedy) and Maria (Hotaling) Kennedy (daughter of Frederick Hotaling and Anna (Prendergast) Hotaling). He was married September 30, 1967, at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Coxsackie, to Jacqueline A. Straus, daughter of Donald Straus and Helen (Montgomery) Straus. They were blessed with five children. He is survived by: Jackie, his wife of 56 years; his son Christopher (Stephanie) and granddaughter Eleanor; his son Matthew D. (Christa) and grandchildren Moira, Michael, Jane, and Andrew; his daughter Erin Kennedy Scott, and grandchildren Sean and Kyle; and his son Patrick (Christine), and granddaughter Bridget. He is also survived by many loving cousins, nieces, and friends. Passionate about lawmaking, politics, and public policy, he worked as a writer and chief of staff at the NYS Assembly, and was proud to have served his community as a School Board member, as Village Trustee, and as Town Justice. A lifelong parishioner of St. Mary’s, he was a lector and Eucharistic minister and served in the diocesan ministry to the terminally ill. He will long be remembered for decades-long hosting of Sunday dinners. The food was always great, the prayers and toasts were many (and long), and the conversation joyous. Matthew was predeceased by his parents, by his daughter Bridget Kathleen, and by many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins. Warm, kind, and welcoming to all, he treasured his family, his faith, and his friends. A vigil service will be held Sunday, December 10, 2023 from 4:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. at the W.C. Brady’s Sons, Inc. Funeral Home, 97 Mansion Street, Coxsackie, N.Y. 12051. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, December 11, 10am, at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 80 Mansion Street, Coxsackie, N.Y., 12051. Interment will follow in the family plot of The St. Mary’s Parish Cemetery, Coxsackie, N.Y., 12051. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.wcbradyssonsinc.net.

Matthew F. Kennedy

November 19, 1942 - December 3, 2023