Richard Kennedy

Richard “Dick” William Kennedy

1931 – 2025

Richard “Dick” Kennedy, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and successful businessman, passed away peacefully at the age of 94 at his home.

Born in Rockford, Illinois, Dick was the son of William Joseph Kennedy and Marguerite Sullivan Kennedy. He spent his early childhood in Rockford before moving with his family—parents, sister Marjean, and younger brother Tom—to Belvidere, Illinois. There, his father operated Kennedy’s Drug Store, a cherished cornerstone of the community.

Dick attended St. James School and later Belvidere High School, where he was a dedicated student and standout athlete, excelling in football, basketball, and golf. After graduation, he enrolled at St. Ambrose College to study pre-pharmacy and later served in the U.S. Army with the Artillery Division in South Korea. His military experience left a lasting impression, and he returned to visit South Korea several times throughout his life.

After his service, Dick built a distinguished career in pharmaceutical marketing, working for several respected companies before founding Alpha Scrip, Incorporated. With vision and determination, and alongside his three sons, he transformed the company into a thriving enterprise.

Dick married Claren Fitzgerald Kennedy of Lake Forest, Illinois, and together they raised five children: Liza, Richard William Jr. (Bill), Mary, Joseph, and Michael. When Claren was diagnosed with ALS, Dick stood faithfully by her side as a devoted caregiver. Their 39-year marriage was marked by love, faith, and partnership. He remained immensely proud of his family and spoke of them often with great affection and admiration.

In his later years, Dick found lasting and loving companionship with Sandy Brierley Kennedy, his devoted second wife and travel partner of 24 years. He welcomed her family as his own and shared a close bond with her two sons and their families. Together, Dick and Sandy embraced a life of adventure—visiting more than 23 countries and spending treasured summers in Flagstaff, Arizona. Their final journey, a trip to London and Ireland, was a joyful celebration of Dick’s 94th birthday.

Dick is survived by his loving wife, Sandy; his five children and their spouses; seven grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; two stepsons and their spouses; five step-granddaughters; his brother, Tom, and sister-in-law, Dianne; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A celebratory Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 1st, at Brophy Chapel. Dick will be laid to rest at Saint Francis Catholic Cemetery in Phoenix, Arizona. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in his memory to the future building fund for the Newman Center Chapel at Northern Arizona University (NAU):

https://www.catholicjacks.org/giving