Tyron A.L. Hampton

Pasadena City Councilmember, District 1

Being native Pasadenans, John and I have multiple connections. Our most significant connection was formed while serving together on the City Council from 2015-2022.

Pasadena has lost an amazing advocate and an exceptional native son. I have lost a brother, a family member, and a true friend. John and I sat next to one another around the dais, and over time we became one another’s best friend on the Council. John was a fighter who worked daily for the betterment of the people of his district, and for the people of Pasadena. Our city is definitely a better place because of John. Everything he did for the community was done with thoughtful intention, great care, and to the highest caliber.

I first met John at my aunt’s home when I was about ten years old. As a youth member of the Pasadena NAACP, I remember seeing John’s portrait hanging on the wall and being inspired by seeing someone so young in a leadership role. Years later, I was reintroduced to John while running for school board. John and I began to communicate with one another regularly. As time went by, and I made the move to city council, we formed a bond as colleagues and as friends. Even if we had different perspectives, I knew he always wanted what was right for Pasadena. Because of this, we were able to form a working relationship and a friendship that I will always cherish.

As a believer in Christ, John was a man of faith who provided wise counsel. John could speak eloquently and passionately about anything that he believed in. John had an energy and presence that rivaled the sun. Pasadena has lost a shining star. It has been my honor to serve Pasadena alongside John. I intend to walk in his legacy to ensure that the City becomes the “One Pasadena” that John endeavored to make a reality.

Dear First District Neighbors and Friends,

Today, Pasadena lost an amazing advocate. For me personally, I lost a brother. The passing of John J. Kennedy comes as a shock and it is a tremendous loss. As I write this, I am at a loss for words. John was a fighter. Every day he worked for the betterment of the people of his district, and for the people of Pasadena. Our city is definitely a better place because of John. Everything he did for the community was done with the greatest care and to the highest caliber.

Depending on how the Pasadena community felt, John wore that feeling on his sleeve. If Pasadena was happy, John was overjoyed. If we were sad, he felt our pain and did his best to console us. John Kennedy was a man of faith and believed that if you treat people the way you want to be treated, the outcome would always be great. John could speak eloquently and passionately about anything that he believed in. When he spoke, you felt it and it made you want to do and be better. John was a compassionate, caring, and loving soul. He was a believer in Christ and his faith was extremely important to him. It has been my honor to serve our city, and serving alongside John gave me great joy. In memory of John, let us always remember that we are one Pasadena. Let’s continue to work together to build a greater community.

My prayers go out to the Kennedy family, to the residents of District 3, and to the city of Pasadena. John Kennedy’s work here on earth is done, but his work and legacy will continue on through all of us.

I love each and every one of you. May God bless you and keep you.

Sincerely,

Tyron Hampton

Gene Masuda

Pasadena City Councilmember, District 4

I first want to give my deepest condolences to the Kennedy family during these very difficult times. John’s passing was quite shocking and the whole City of Pasadena is grieving.

John joined the council two years after me in 2013 and was a fantastic Councilmember who cared so much for the residents of District 3. He was a perfect choice to represent his district as a son of Pasadena who was so proud of being born and raised in Pasadena.

John inspired his residents, and he cared about creating more affordable housing and open space with the parks. He will always be remembered for promoting diversity in our City.

I am very thankful and appreciative of John’s leadership and determination. He never forgot his origins and his family. He gave his district hope and opportunity. He made a big difference in Pasadena and will be remembered as a caring leader!

I will always remember John and miss his warm smile. Thank you, John, for your leadership.

Bill Paparian

Former Mayor, City of Pasadena

Sona and I were shocked and saddened to hear of dear friend John’s sudden passing. John celebrated New Year’s Eve in our home nine years ago. We were close friends.

His epitaph should simply say: John Kennedy. Son of Pasadena. Servant of the People.

His sudden and unexpected passing is a painful reminder of just how short life is, and why we need to live it to the fullest while we can. In my time in Pasadena, we have witnessed the passing of many former Pasadena Councilmembers: Loretta Glickman, Jo Heckman, John Crowley, Jess Hughston, Katie Nack, and Sid Tyler. The first Councilmember to die while in office, John Kennedy died just after being reelected and with his career as an elected public official unfinished. What an incredible loss for Pasadena! Our heartfelt condolences to you and your family.

Bill, William M. Paparian

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