The Pasadena community is stunned and in mourning following the death of Councilman John J. Kennedy. The city announced Thursday that he had passed after an illness. He was just 61 years old.
Kennedy was first elected to the District 3 seat in 2013. He was a member of the Finance Committee, the chair of the Public Safety Committee, and a representative for the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority. Kennedy was a graduate of Howard University School of Law and had previously served as president of the Pasadena branch of the NAACP.
“While we are all deeply saddened by the sudden loss of our friend and colleague, John Kennedy, we should always remember and celebrate his many accomplishments and contribution to our city and beyond," said Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo.
“John Kennedy loved Pasadena and the people of Pasadena. He worked hard every day to make Pasadena a better place for everyone. He dedicated himself to helping others, and we are all better off because of his efforts. His was a life well-lived.”
Flags were lowered to half-staff at all city facilities in honor of Kennedy. In lieu of flowers, his family has requested donations to the Pasadena Community Foundation college fund.