John Scott Kennedy, 73, passed away unexpectedly Friday, August 28, 2026, at home following a brief illness.
The son of John P. and Anne (Lane) Kennedy, John was born October 4, 1952, in Mansfield and graduated from Madison Comprehensive High School in 1971. He enjoyed sports, tropical aquariums, and the open road. John was a larger-than-life personality who loved spending time with his family, lunch with old friends, and their weekly Board Meeting.
An early job as a motorcycle mechanic fueled John’s love of motor sports. A near-death racing accident at age 21 left him comatose but didn’t stop his lifelong love of motorcycling. He kept his prized Harley a secret from his parents to spare them the worry.
During his long recovery, he started walking a golf course to strengthen his legs and a new love was born. As luck would have it, he lived within an easy 9-iron of the first green at Coolridge Golf Course. After years of walking, he eventually bought a golf cart that he cruised through the neighborhood down to the course.
John worked for 33 years as a millwright at General Motors, following in the footsteps of his father-in-law, George Lang. He worked third shift for years, so he had more time with his family – and more daylight hours for golf.
John cultivated a love of soccer when his children played and he became a coach. He learned everything he could, seeking advice from European coworkers who were more familiar with the sport. It was this insight into old-world technique that tempered his typical shock-and-awe approach, culminating with the 1998 championship for the Lincoln Heights Lions.
Despite struggling with a stutter, John was a people person and loved to talk. He enjoyed striking up conversations with random strangers almost everywhere he went.
John was preceded in death by his parents John P. and Anne Kennedy and his step-daughter, Christina.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife Ellie; son John Jr. (Scott) and daughter-in-law, Leontien; daughter Sara and granddaughter Ayla; stepson Ryan and Jessie; brother Kevin and sister-in-law Mireya; nephew Matthew and niece Ashley; and uncle Lance; as well as the many longtime friends that he loved so much.
The family will hold a private celebration of life.
Werner-Gompf Funeral Services, 1106 Park Avenue East, Mansfield, is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Online condolences may be made at www.wernergompf.com
Funeral Home: Werner-Gompf Funeral Services
Website: www.wernergompf.com