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Father John F. Kennedy, M.M., a missioner to Taiwan, died April 23 at St. Teresa’s Residence, Ossining. He was 84.
Initially assigned to Taiwan following his ordination for the Maryknoll Fathers in 1955, he spent his entire missionary career there. During his ministry he established two “Friendship Houses” to serve young workers and Catholics in the capital city, Taipei, and later in Kaohsiung. He also served as pastor of a parish in Taipei and was elected Maryknoll’s Regional Superior for Taiwan, serving two terms from 1973 to 1979.
Following his retirement, he continued to work in the Young Workers Apostolate in Kaohsiung Diocese until he returned to the United States in 2011.
Born in Great Neck, he entered Maryknoll in 1948 and professed his final vows in 1954. He held a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Maryknoll Seminary. A sister, Margaret Kennedy, survives him.
A Memorial Mass was offered April 30 at Our Lady Queen of Apostles Chapel, Maryknoll. Father Kennedy donated his body to science.
