William John Kennedy

William John “Bill” Kennedy died peacefully on the Feast of Saint Paschal Baylon in Castro Valley on May 17, 2024. Loving husband of MaryAnn Gaylor Kennedy for thirty-six years. Bill was born in Oakland, California on August 1, 1939, the son of Dr. William J. Kennedy and Mary O’Connell Kennedy. The oldest of ten, he was the dear brother of Mary Frances, John, Margaret, Brian, Kathleen, Norene Broyles, and the late Father Jerry, Kevin, and Rita Wilson.

                A twenty-three year resident of San Jose del Cabo, Mexico, he leaves a close circle of friends there, as well as many cousins and friends in the Bay Area. Brother-in-Law of Michael Gaylor, Eileen Armoogum, Mary Anne Kennedy, Mary Lou Jones, and Kelsey Broyles. Loving uncle of eleven and great uncle of seventeen.

                Bill grew up in Piedmont and entered the seminary in 1952. Ordained a Catholic priest in 1966 with his brother Fr. Jerrold Kennedy, he served the Diocese of Oakland as an assistant pastor at St. Benedict Church and as pastor at St. Columba Church. An avid snow and water skier, Bill spent many free days on the slopes surrounding Lake Tahoe or skimming the surface of the waters of the Sacramento Delta. He enjoyed traveling, playing golf and loved working in the garden, fixing things around the house and telling a good story. In 1980 Bill requested a dispensation from the priesthood and entered J. F. Kennedy Law School to pursue his law degree. Married in 1988, Bill and MaryAnn made their home in Oakland in St. Paschal parish. In 2001 Bill and MaryAnn moved to San José del Cabo, BCS, Mexico and almost instantly became involved with the community. They were instrumental in the formation of an English liturgy committee which introduced a year-round bilingual Mass, and with his background, Bill was frequently called upon to proclaim the gospel and deliver a homily. Enjoying golf, swimming and other San José activities, Bill gained many friends.

                A Funeral Mass for Bill will be celebrated AT 11:00 A.M. on May 28, 2024 at Saint Benedict Church, 82nd and Bancroft Avenues, Oakland. A reception will follow in Father Jay Matthews Hall next door.

His committal will take place at a later date in San Jose del Cabo, BCS, Mexico.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or your favorite charity.

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