John Kennedy Obituary

John Kennedy, 79, passed away peacefully in Charleston, S.C., surrounded by love, with his daughters Leigh Ann, Melissa, and Tracy by his side on Friday, March 20, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Wilkes-Barre in 1946, John spent his formative years building a deep connection to Harveys Lake, where he cherished summers as a teenager and ultimately made his lifelong home. The lake was central to his life, and many remember him fondly as a lifeguard at Sandy Beach or as "Spyder," the charismatic frontman of his 1960s band, Spyder and the Flies.

John graduated from Elmer L. Meyers High School in 1964. He went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts in political science from Wilkes College in 1968, followed by his Juris Doctor from the Dickinson School of Law in 1972. A highly respected attorney, John built a distinguished career spanning more than five decades. Known for his sharp intellect, commanding presence, and unwavering dedication to his clients, he earned the respect and admiration of colleagues throughout the legal community. He was a longtime member of both the Luzerne County Bar Association and the Pennsylvania Bar Association.

Beyond his professional life, John had a remarkable gift for connection. He lit up every room he entered, making people feel instantly welcome and valued. He formed lasting friendships everywhere he went and was deeply involved in his community through numerous social clubs and organizations, where he generously gave his time serving on boards and committees. He was a proud member of ROJ Court 154, a longtime member of the Westmoreland Club, and an active supporter of the F.M. Kirby Center.

An avid golfer, John enjoyed many years on the course with friends and was a member of several area clubs, including Lehman Golf Club, Irem Country Club, and Huntsville Golf Club. John embraced life with passion and enthusiasm. He loved rock 'n' roll and live music, traveling, and spending time on the golf course with his buddies. He was also a devoted fan, always cheering on his beloved teams, the Celtics, Yankees, the Phillies, and the Eagles. He lived fully and without regret, never wishing he had done more — he had already done it all.

He was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Rebecca M. Kennedy of Dallas, his father, Howard E. Kennedy, and his mother, Marian J. Kennedy, both of Harveys Lake.

He is survived by his four daughters, Melissa, Tracy, and Leigh Ann, all of Charleston, S.C., and Taylor of Portland, Ore.; as well as seven grandchildren, each of whom he loved deeply and proudly.

John will be sorely missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him. His legacy of joy, strength, and living life to the fullest will continue to inspire all whose lives he touched.

Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, April 24, at Harold C. Snowdon Funeral Home Inc., 140 N. Main St., Shavertown.

All are welcome to join us in celebrating John's legacy with a luncheon at The Greens at Irem Clubhouse at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 25.

Funeral services and interment will be held privately by the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor John's generous spirit and love for others by making a donation in his memory to your local SPCA, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, or Shriners Children's Hospital in honor of "Little Timmy." Supporting these causes would be a meaningful way to celebrate the compassion and kindness that defined his life.