John Howard Kennedy

Surrounded by his family, John Howard Kennedy of Mansfield, age 79, passed away on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at Ohio Health Mansfield Hospital.

John was born the oldest of five children in Mansfield, Ohio on January 8, 1945 to the late Howard and Mary Kennedy. He graduated from Lexington High School with the class of 1963. John was a dedicated family man who cherished his role as husband, father and grandfather. He was a "fix it" guy that could repair just about anything in his home, yard or garage. He was generous with sharing his skills and knowledge with friends, family and neighbors. John had a passion for classic cars and was well-known in the local cruise-in and car show community. John prided himself on his work ethic, toiling tirelessly for over 40 years as a master pattern maker for the Ohio Brass Company and later as an employee-owner of the successor company the Mansfield Foundry Corporation.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years Patricia (Pat) Kennedy. He sadly mourned her passing until the day he returned to her loving arms in heaven. Also preceding him in death were his brothers, Randall, Timothy and Robert Kennedy as well as special life-long friends, JC Campbell, Roger Weirick, and Tommy McGuire.

Surviving John are his daughters, Paula Clabaugh of Mansfield, Ohio and Deborah Kennedy Spisak (Mike) of Brunswick, Ohio; grandchildren, Tyler and Zachary Clabaugh of Mansfield; and sister, Lori (Dan) Haines of The Villages, Florida; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and sisters-in-law and, of course, his beloved dog Rex.

The family will receive family and friends from 10:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at Snyder Funeral Home, Lexington Avenue Chapel. A memorial service celebrating his life will follow at 11:30 a.m. and will be led by life-long friend Jerry Wilson. Weather permitting, John's friends in the car show community are encouraged to salute John by arriving in a classic car.