Patrick James Joe Kennedy will be a new name to most. Perhaps those from Co. Mayo, Manchester (UK), Michigan or elsewhere in the US and the Middle East might know of J. Kennedy & Co Ltd., the firm that Joe started after he emigrated from Eire aged just 16. Ever supportive of his fellow Irish immigrants, his philanthropy blossomed with his business into the Kennedy Charitable Foundation, work that would be recognized by Pope John Paul II (Order of the Knights of St. Gregory), the Manchester Mayo Association, and the Virginia Gallagher Mayo Person of the Year Award. A remarkable feat for this gregarious but unassuming man of faith, both in God and his fellow man.
https://www.con-telegraph.ie/2022/06/22/warm-tribute-to-a-great-mayo-man-joe-kennedy-on-his-passing/
His memoir, On The Strength of a Ten Bob Note (out of print, but available on ebay and elsewhere), chronicles Joe’s journey from Co. Mayo lad to dancehall singer in the clubs of North-West England, then owner of what would become a multinational construction company and international philanthropist. Throughout this, Joe retained a strong relationship with his home in Eire, both as a Roman Catholic with a strong devotion to Our Lady of Knock, and through his support of local businesses and emigrant workers from Mayo. But his charity was never restricted to one place or one cause, and the Kennedy Charitable Foundation still continues to uplift communities around the globe. With his significant involvement in the Northern Ireland Peace Process, Joe Kennedy’s passing might be said to mark the end of an era — but hopefully not the spirit of community and kindness Joe taught and lived in his day-to-day life.
I never had the pleasure of meeting Joe Kennedy in person; but as one of the many, many beneficiaries of the Kennedy Charitable Foundation across the world, I’m honoured that my work is a small part of his legacy. And like many of us, I hope that I can do that legacy proud.
The family have asked for any donations in lieu of flowers to be sent to the Mayo-Roscommon Hospice Foundation at the link below.