F. Keith Kennedy, MD
July 3, 1935 - February 19, 2021
Dr. Francis Keith Kennedy, age 85, gracefully passed from life to life eternal with God, in his home, in the arms of his wife and surrounded by his family, on February 19th, 2021.
Dr. Kennedy was born on July 3, 1935, in Carbondale, PA, to Lela Cure Kennedy and Francis Kizer Kennedy. After graduating from Hamilton College with honors for his undergraduate degree, he pursued his dream to be a doctor at Boston University Medical School and graduated as Dr. F. Keith Kennedy, MD in 1961. Dr. Kennedy, eager to provide specialized care to his practice of internal medicine, earned certifications in endocrinology, nephrology and pediatrics. For the majority of his many dedicated years as a practicing physician, he provided care through his private practice and as the Medical Director at Willow Point Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. Of his greatest accomplishments, he was instrumental in bringing dialysis to the community he served in Binghamton, NY, through the dialysis unit at Wilson Memorial Hospital. In addition to his services and accomplishments in his own community, he served as a doctor in the Army Reserves at Fort Drum in the late 1960s, achieving the rank of Major during his service. He also served as the New York State Troopers Troop C physician for many years. Dr. Kennedy was a well respected provider. Dedicated to both his work and patients, he was generous both professionally and personally and loved by many. He retired from both his private practice and as the Medical Director of 32 years at Willow Point in 2017.
When Dr. Kennedy entered a room, his family’s eyes lit up. His presence radiated energy and irreverent good humor, always having a witty comment to offer. He invited friendship from young and old. With the birth of his first grandchild, Dr. F. Keith Kennedy became “Dane.” As “Dane,” he was adored, trusted, respected and loved by his family, and gave much love and attention to his beloved wife, children and grandchildren. The family viewed him as a teacher, a friend, a confident, a supporter. He adored his children and grandchildren and was adored by them. His departure leaves a void that those who loved him will struggle to fill.
Dr. Kennedy is survived by his beloved and devoted wife of 45 years, Elizabeth T. Kennedy, his daughter and son-in-law, Kathleen Kennedy Tappen and Robert Tappen; his son and daughter-in-law, Colonel Christopher and Janet W. Kennedy; his son and daughter-in-law, Thomas and Meghan M. Donahue, his son and daughter-in-law, David and Essa M. Kennedy; his son and daughter-in-law, Scott and Annick V. Donahue; his daughter-in-law, Amy D. Donahue; grandchildren, Jordan Donahue and his wife, Katie B. Donahue, Ashley Donahue, Amber Donahue, Ethan Kennedy, William Tappen, Thomas P. Donahue III, Rachel Donahue, Charles Donahue, Grace Kennedy, Olivia Kennedy, Alaina Donahue, Kaitlyn Donahue; and his first great grandson, Greyson Donahue. He is also survived by his loving sister and brother-in-law, Kay Kennedy Wack and Richard E. Wack. He is predeceased by his parents, Francis Kizer and Lela Kennedy; his daughter Joanne Kennedy; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Reverend Jack and Shirley Tucker; his brother-in-law, Jack Tucker Jr; and his daughter-in-law, Eva S. Donahue.
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