Thomas M. Kennedy, of Smith Street, passed away peacefully on February 8th at the West Haven VA Medical Center.

Born on February 10th, 1948, to Ralph and Elizabeth (Daley) Kennedy, Thom attended Xavier High School where he was a proud member of the inaugural graduating class of 1967. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War, enlisting in the US Air Force and served honorably in Vietnam until 1971, attaining the rank of sergeant.

Thom spent most of his life in Middletown and was a craftsman by trade. He started his career as a homebuilder before eventually starting his own business, focused on restoration of colonial and other period homes throughout Connecticut and New England. Thom enjoyed restoring and renovating 18th century homes, especially the one that he lived in with his family.

Thom loved his work and teaching others his craft, as well as working with other local craftsmen and friends on home projects or just for fun. He had a natural curiosity of the world, and the people around him, and he paid attention to the details that others would miss. His big laugh and playful sense of humor both entertained and exasperated in the best ways, and while he was generally more of a listener than a talker, once he got going it was a joy to behold. He loved to travel, embarking on numerous road trips with his family, as well as his own adventures cruising the hills and valleys of southern New England on his beloved motorcycle. He was the family chef, photographer, and entertainer who enjoyed hosting family and friends for barbeques, holidays, or a friendly chat in the driveway.

He is survived by his wife, Beverly (Fortin) Kennedy of Middletown, and two children, Evan Kennedy and his wife, Dana Logsden, of Denver, Colorado, and Kara (Kennedy) Cebula and her husband, Michael, of North Haven; brothers Peter Kennedy and his wife, Linda, of Southington; Michael Kennedy and his wife, Cynthia, of Conway, SC; and sister, Kathy Mauri of Meriden. Thom adored his five grandchildren - Evelyn, Quinn, and Amelia Cebula, of North Haven, and Maisie and Nolan Logsden-Kennedy, of Denver - and also leaves behind a loving extended family of nieces and nephews who will greatly miss him.

Family and friends may gather to honor his life at Biega Funeral Home from 3 to 5 pm on February 21st; a funeral service will follow at 5 p.m. Burial will be at Miner Cemetery on February 22nd at 11 am.

In lieu of flowers, Thom would ask that you treat yourself to some ice cream, and take some time to enjoy the simple things in life.  To share memories or express condolences online please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com.