On April 21, 1940, Nathaniel Kennedy (aka Lefty or Kennedy) was born to the parents of Ida Lee McCullough and Leroy Kennerly. Nathaniel was born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina. He was one of five children. His siblings were Dorothy, Rovenner, Alvin, and Benjamin. Growing up, he played football as a quarterback. He would often state that the players on the field would try to break his legs because of how great he played. Nathaniel’s talents didn’t stop there. He was a self-taught drummer, singer, harmonica player and later taught himself to play the bass guitar. Some of his other hobbies were playing softball (as he was known as the home runner), watching western movies, and traveling with his bands throughout the years to play music. In his early 20’s he moved to New York City. Nathaniel’s life changed when he met Quinnie Wilson in South Carolina before going to New York. The two later married and gave birth to a perfect baby boy named Nathan Bernard Kennedy born on January 26, 1968. Nathaniel worked at New York City Housing Authority as a Supervisor for many years. He was very well liked and the neighborhood knew his name. He always took the time to talk to people and ask how he could help them. His infectious smile, laughter and taking care of everyone was the type of person he was daily. Later in his life, he met Lois Franco in the Bronx. The two married and gave birth to their joyful baby girl Natalie Rose Kennedy on November 26, 1984. Nathaniel lived in New York City for over 40 years and retired from housing. He relocated to Pennsylvania with Nancy DelValle and her four children.

Nathaniel was preceded in death by his mother, father, siblings (Dorothy and Alvin), and son Nathan. He leaves behind his brother, and sister (Rovenner and Benjamin). Also, he leaves behind his daughter Natalie, son-in-law Ernest Jones, daughter-in-law Lucia Martinez-Davis, four granddaughters Kayla, Ariana, Autumn, Ava, numerous family, and friends. We give thanks to Jerry, Debbie, Jackie, members of Identity Crisis Band, and family who cared and treated my father as family while he lived in Pennsylvania.

Nathaniel’s daughter would like everyone to know that her father always viewed life in a positive way. If we could learn one thing from him, it’s that he viewed people as humans regardless of their race or differences. We are to love one another and treat all people no different than what we would like to be treated. Let’s keep his legacy going!