Obituary of Mark J Kennedy

MARK J. KENNEDY

NISKAYUNA - Mark Joseph Kennedy, of Niskayuna, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on February 14, 2025. Mark was a devoted husband, father of three, accomplished civil engineer, and lifelong outdoorsman who found joy in nature and good nature in all.

Born and raised in Lansingburgh, NY, he was the son of the late Joseph and Cathal Kennedy. Mark graduated from Lansingburgh High School in 1974. As a teenager, he spent his summers working at Marian Lodge, a summer camp in the Adirondacks. There he taught horseback riding, honed his craftsmanship and maintenance abilities, and developed a deep love for the outdoors - and for his future wife, Kate.

Mark attended Clarkson University, where he earned a degree in civil engineering. Mark was a member of Theta Chi fraternity, where his brothers, in true fraternal fashion, elected him president before he knew he was on the ballot. He embraced the role with dedication and cherished the lifelong bonds he formed with his brothers.

Mark had a successful career as a civil engineer, earning his Professional Engineering License in 1983 and developing extensive expertise in construction and public infrastructure. He proudly served the New York Department of Transportation for 36 years, retiring as a Regional Traffic Engineer. Mark took great pride in improving road safety for motorists and pedestrians and spoke fondly of his colleagues and his time with the department.

Mark found immense joy in nature, especially when sharing it with family and friends. An avid hiker, camper, and paddler, he cherished his time in the woods and near the water. Whether on the sandy shores of Long Beach Island or the lakes of the Adirondacks, Mark always took a moment to stand at the water's edge and appreciate the natural beauty around him. He will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his passion for the outdoors, and his lifelong commitment to making the world a safer place.

Mark was predeceased by his father, Joseph Kennedy, and his mother, Cathal (Halloran) Kennedy. He is survived by his beloved wife of forty-two years, Dr. M. Katherine (Kotansky) Kennedy; his brothers, Michael Kennedy and Daniel Kennedy; his sister, Shawn Cribari; and his children: Steven Kennedy and his partner, Rozlyn Mattox; Keegan Kennedy; and Brian Kennedy and his spouse, Jessica Jimenez. He also leaves behind his cherished grandson, Noah Kennedy, and a loving extended family.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Thursday, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM, at The Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home, 149 Old Loudon Rd., Latham, N.Y.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, at 11:00 AM., at Niskayuna Reformed Church, 3041 Troy-Schenectady Rd, Niskayuna. Interment will immediately follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery, Colonie.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the New York State Natural Heritage Trust at www.naturalheritagetrust.org/donate.

For further information or to express a message of condolence to the family, please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com.