Allen “Gene” Kennedy
Allen Eugene Kennedy, age 83, of Franklin Park, IL, passed away on April 28, 2025, with his family by his side. He was born on February 27, 1942 in Detroit, Michigan to Kenneth and Ina (Burrus) Kennedy. “Gene”, as he was known to those close to him, spent much of his childhood in Chicago until moving to Scotland County, Missouri as a teenager. As a high schooler there, he met the love of his life, Mary Jo Duncan. After graduating from Scotland County High School in 1960, Gene and Mary Jo married on October 8, 1961 and moved to Chicago to make their home.
To this union was born two daughters, Crystal (Glen Forbes) and Kelly (the late David Frasca). In the decades to follow, the family expanded with the birth of five grandchildren: Jillian (Adam Rycroft) Forbes, the late Keagan Frasca, Emily Frasca, Caitlin Forbes, and Sophia Frasca. Nothing brought Gene more joy than his family, and he reveled in being a hands-on father and grandfather.
Gene built a successful career in HVAC, first as an apprentice in the sheet metal industry constructing and installing systems, then rising through the ranks to designing, estimating, testing, and balancing for several high-profile Chicago firms, including Kraft Foods and Children’s Memorial Hospital. His career also led him into one of his most fulfilling roles, teaching at the Local 73 technical training center.
Gene lived life to the fullest with insatiable curiosity and a love of learning. His pleasurable pursuits included fishing, boating, camping, golfing, playing racquetball, and jumping out of an airplane twice. An ardent music lover, he played the accordion and the piano, and made the effort to never miss a performance by his daughters and grandchildren, all of whom took up the study of music.
Gene was, above all, a people person. He could strike up a conversation with anyone, and was always ready to put people at ease with his warm smile and a handshake, even in his last days. The love and joy he brought to those whose lives he touched will be sorely missed. The world is a better place because of Gene.
