William Frederick "Bill" Kennedy

William Frederick "Bill" Kennedy March 22, 1943 - September 8, 2013 William Frederick Kennedy, 70, of East Palatka FL and Billerica, MA passed away September 8, 2013 peacefully at his home overlooking the St. Johns River. Bill is survived by loving companion, Barbara Avery of East Palatka, FL and daughters Amy L. Kennedy of Sudbury, MA and Jennifer A. Kennedy of Napa, CA. He leaves his son-in-law David Sette-Ducati, and grandsons Owen William Sette-Ducati and Jack Dominic Sette-Ducati of Sudbury, MA and Jennifer's longtime companion Carlos Barreda of Napa, CA. He leaves a sister Judith West of Colee Cove, FL and several nieces and a nephew. He is preceded in death by sister Rhonda Jacobs; mother Lillian Dorothea Kelly and father Ronald Kennedy. He is also survived by his sweet dog, Onyx. Bill graduated from Wilmington High School and apprenticed at Boston Naval Shipyard as a refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic. He studied at Wentworth Institute of Design and Northeastern. Bill was employed by the Polaroid Corporation for thirty years and proudly worked his way up to Principal Engineer. He was a technical specialist for all Polaroid sites and taught the HVAC Technical Specialist Program and later the apprentices at the Naval Shipyard. He also taught at Wentworth Institute. He received awards for innovative design and Best Manufacturing Practices for refrigeration. Bill retired in 1999. An avid mechanic, his hobbies included fishing, motorcycles, cars, tinkering, sailing and boating. Bill was generous and always willing to lend a hand. He spent time helping friends repair cars and all things mechanical and was known to stop and help individuals with car or boat trouble. Bill had a sharp wit, strong opinions and enjoyed debating politics - he was always right. He was supported by and supported many as a friend of Bill W. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Home for Little Wanderers, Boston MA or the ASPCA, Washington DC. Services will be held in both Florida and Massachusetts. Calling hours will be at the St. John's Funeral Home, 385 SR 207, St Augustine, FL , on Wednesday September 11 from 5 to 7 PM. Funeral services will be held 11 AM Thursday September 12, at St. Johns Family Funeral Home. St. Johns Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.