Joseph E. Kennedy

Joseph Eugene Kennedy, 86 of Zanesville died at 2:20 AM Wednesday January 21, 2026, at The Oaks at Bethesda following a long battle with Parkinsons Disease.

He was born on September 4,1939 in Zanesville, Ohio, the son of Carroll E. Kennedy and Emma Marie Cummins Kennedy.

Joe was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was a Navy Veteran who was very proud to have served his country and very gracious to have been on the Honor Flight. Joe was a self-employed Insurance Agent as well as businessman involved in several different business ventures; however, his greatest passion was the love for his faith, family and country.

He is survived by his six children, Joleen A. (Chad) Hamilton of Zanesville, Jocele A. Kennedy of Zanesville, Joseph A. (Erin) Kennedy of Zanesville, Jenera A. Kennedy of Orlando Fl, Joslyn A. Kennedy of Zanesville, and Jordan A. (Kayla) Kennedy of Zanesville; 11 grandchildren, Blaike (Klinti) Gjino, Christian Ross, Kayla Ross, Kasidy (Ethan Swendryck) Antonetz, Rhyle Antonetz, Skylyn Strickland, Shalyn Strickland, Karamea Kennedy, Cooper Kennedy. Hudson Kennedy and Elizabeth "Lizzie" Kennedy; 3 Great Granddaughters, Aailyn Sims, Capri Vinyard and Isabella Gjino. He will also be missed by his former caretaker and good friend, Joann Morgan and the incredible staff at the Oaks at Bethesda.

In addition to his parents, Joseph was preceded in death by his parents, his best friend and mother of his children, Elizabeth "Liz" Ann Kennedy and a son Joseph Eugene Kennedy Jr. from WV.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM with funeral service to follow at 12:00 PM on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at the Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints on Kearns Drive, Zanesville. Burial with Military Honors to conclude at the Zanesville Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Muskingum County Veterans Appreciation Foundation, C/O Green Valley Golf Course 4420 Dresden Road Zanesville, Ohio 43701.