East Northport FD Ex-Chief Leroy “Roy” Kennedy Mourned

The East Northport Fire Department  mourned the loss of their most senior and currently oldest active member,  Ex-Chief Leroy “Roy” Kennedy who passed away July 12, 2012 at the age of  92.  Roy’s service to the department  and community spanned nearly 64 years, and in that time he served as Hook & Ladder Company Lieutenant and Captain from 1952-1958, Assistant Chief from 1958-1960, moving up to Chief of the Department from 1960-1962, a job he  fulfilled with distinction and honor. After leaving the Chief’s office,  Roy was later  elected to the Board of Fire Commissioners in 1972 and served for ten years. He  was also the Department Chaplain as well as the Chaplain for the Town of  Huntington Fire Chief’s Council, and offered members a quiet faith and  gentleness of spirit by bringing a great deal of comfort to those he  touched. During his years of service,  Roy was selected  to receive the Firefighter of the Year Award three times. In 2008 at the  department’s 100th Anniversary installation, Roy was honored for 60 years of dedicated  service and received many awards and honors. Many may remember Roy as the  firefighter who rang the Memorial Bell at the firehouse during  Department services, and as the Master of Ceremonies for many years at the  Annual Fireman’s Fair. Roy was a WWII veteran and served with the U.S.  Air Force B-29 Group in the Pacific Theatre. He worked as a Superintendent of  construction with LILCO for 38 years, responsible for much of the electrical  infrastructure across the island. Roy was predeceased by his beloved wife Joy,  and was married for 55 years. He is survived by his sons Roy, Richard,  Ex-Captain of the Terryville FD, and Michael, Chief of the Yaphank FD, and many  loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Wake services were held at Nolan  & Taylor-Howe Funeral Home in Northport, with Funeral Mass at St. Anthony of  Padua Church in East Northport. Interment followed at St. Philip Neri Cemetery.

Photos by Steve Silverman