Thomas “Mike” Micheal Kennedy, RMC(AW) (CPO/Retired USN), of Gettysburg, PA, age 63, passed away in St. Angeles City, Philippines on Sunday, May 14, 2023.
Mike was born January 29, 1960, in Gettysburg, PA, to Shelby Jean (Miller) Greenwald of Gettysburg, PA and Harold “Butch” Eugene Kennedy of Chambersburg, PA. Mike was their only child. He was a member of the St. James Lutheran Church on York Street in Gettysburg.
Mike retired after serving the full 20 years and four extra months in the United States Navy. His military career included the USS Coral Sea CV 43, USS Blue Ridge LLC 19, Adak Naval Base Alaska, USN COMSTA Philippines, DISA Stuttgart Germany, US NAVCOMTELSTA Sigonella Italy, and retired from DISA HQ Arlington VA. His military decorations included the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, (3) Navy Achievement Medals, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Navy Unit Commendation, (2) Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbons, (2) Navy Expeditionary Medals, numerous Good Conduct Medals, Navy “E” Ribbon, (2) Southwest Asia Service Medals, Kuwait Liberation Medal, a lot of Navy & Marines Corps Overseas Service Ribbons, and numerous Sea Service Deployment Ribbons. Mike was a very proud and exemplary Chief Petty Officer. Michelle and his children will always be very proud of him.
He loved scuba diving and enjoyed a good cigar. His favorite was a Harley that he custom painted in memory of his predeceased father, “Butch”.
Chief Kennedy was preceded in death by his mother and father, and beloved grandparents, Mr. & Mrs. Daniel and Catherine (Clappsaddle) Miller of Gettysburg PA. He is survived by his very supportive military wife of 30 years, Michelle L. Thomas of Gettysburg PA; two sons – Joshua Glacken-Kennedy and Jonah Kennedy of Gettysburg; one daughter – Jade (Kennedy) Null and husband, Cody, of Hanover PA; three beautiful grandchildren – Jayden Harris, Liliana Riser, and Maddox Null; one sister – Karen Bustin of Cape May NJ; and first cousins (Deb (Stonesifer) Kessler, Daniel Stonesifer, Dave Young, Jeff Marker, Rick Marker, Sue (Marker) Gardner, and Rob Marker and their families) from the local area as well.
Mike will not have a public memorial service and will be buried at the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery at a later date. If interested, please make a memorial donation in his name, Thomas “Mike” Kennedy, and military honor to the American Legion Post #202, 528 East Middle St., Gettysburg PA 17325.
Fair winds and following seas, Chief
