Name/Title
Carl J. Kennedy ExhibitEntry/Object ID
2023.1.118Description
Collection of military uniforms, medals and memorabilia of Warrant Officer Carl J. Kennedy (1929 - 1990).Context
Carl James Kennedy was born in Barre, VT August 21, 1931, the second son of James E. and Gladys Sanborn Kennedy. His growing-up years were spent in Chelsea Upper Village, attending the village school and graduating from Chelsea High School in 1949. Immediately after graduating he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served for 30 years, with tours of duty including Japan, Germany, Korea, Africa, Afghanistan and El Salvador. Following retirement from the service, with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer Fourth Class, the family settled in Nashville, Tenn. Carl then attended Nashville Technological school from which he graduated in 1961 with an associate degree in banking. He served 12 years with the Defense Investigative Service in Nashville, retiring in 1989 because of poor health. He died in 1990 due to the effect of ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease).
Carl was married in 1956 to his high school sweetheart, Cora Melvin, in the United Church of Chelsea. They had a daughter, Cheryl, and three sons, Carl, Jr., Charles, and Christopher.
His memorial service was held on September 22, 1990 in the United Church of Chelsea. A committal service, officiated by his brother, Ernest Kennedy, was held at Highland Cemetery in Chelsea on July 29, 1995.
Display case was made by Rufus Royce.