Rene BrowmH. Gonzalez

Human Relations Commissioner

I met Councilmember John J. Kennedy at a Pasadena City Council meeting in September 2020. I was a constituent and part of a large community that suffered discriminated by the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) that planned to close our community Elementary School. Councilmember Kennedy later offered me the opportunity to represent District 3 on the Human Relations Commission. I gratefully accepted and still serve as commissioner.

I never met anyone so righteous and with such a humble heart as

John. When we met, he raised his strong voice at the City Council Meeting and said, “I hear one of my future generations as a part of his legacy. His background and character propelled him to speak truth when inconvenient, to search out facts instead of innuendo and to take action instead of lip service. Although he will not be here to continue his work with us in person, the high bar that he established at the council level and with this community should serve as an ongoing example. He will be deeply missed, but will remain deeply appreciated.

Rene’s three sons (l-r) Valentien, Adrian and Vicente Gonzalez constituents asking for help.” It was a powerful moment for me, and I noticed how the entire City Council reacted to his voice. It was as if the entire chamber was shaking with his presence; I further noticed how much they respected him and how brave his heart was. That was John from the beginning, and that was John all the way.

I will forever be thankful for his friendship, his kindness, and his love for human justice. His example and commitment to the public gave me strength to stand strong and raise my voice for injustices in our public school system and to fight for the needs of the community. He will remain in my heart forever. Thank you my dear friend.

John’s Team (City Staff)

Jana Stewart

• Councilmember Kennedy • District 3 Representative

• Classmate

Neighbor

Brother

No matter what you called him, he was always there for you. You were special to him and he made sure you knew it. In the Pasadena family, there is no better than this.

Elected Official

Mentor

Thank you for leaving our world better than you found it, and for the treasured gift of your friendship.

One Pasadena! Always.

Jana N. West

I am not sure when it was that I met John J. Kennedy; it seems as if I have always known him. First as a family friend, then working on his campaign for the Pasadena City Council and after he was elected serving as his District Liaison. During the five-plus years I spent working closely with him, I really got to know him well and see first-hand his commitment and dedication to the residents in his District and to the Pasadena community as a whole.

John worked every day to make a difference, to make people’s lives better. Of course, he did this through his legislative work on the Council, but the personal touch he showed from the turkey giveaways that got bigger every year to the holiday gathering every December. He always went the extra mile with everything he did to show how much he cared. Even after I no longer worked for him, I always retuned and helped whenever he called. You just couldn’t say no to John! He was always concerned for my wellbeing, checking in on my family and me and offering his support in so many ways, even conspiring with my mother to marry me off! Truthfully, I have no words to describe how much John meant to me or how much I will miss him. John was truly one of a kind.

Susana Porras Liaison, Councilmember John J. Kennedy

Dear John,

I first met you as my adversary and how you loved to tell that story. I cringed every time. You believed in keeping your friends close and your enemies closer and you thought it would be best that I work for you. We were both unsure of this arrangement; however, we set our differences aside for the community. We laughed, we cried and had the occasional high five, but our focus was always the community. I called you by your name, boss or jefe (boss in Spanish), more fittingly you were my mentor, my spiritual guide, and my good friend. During what would be our final birthday lunch, you asked me who had my back, to which I very confidently responded, you. How right I was about the only angel I ever knew.

Tina Rios Rowe

Intern to John J. Kennedy

I first met Councilmember John Kennedy in 2018.

I was sitting at a community meeting waiting patiently for my free turkey when I first heard his booming voice and saw his beaming smile. In his magical way, he called on the audience to become ambassadors to Pasadena. He went on to affirm that this was our city and it was up to each of us to play a role in creating a beautiful community. I felt as though he was speaking directly to me. I was transformed by his words. In a matter of days, I began volunteering with his office and was invited to become and remain his Senior Intern. One evening after an event, John thanked me. I said to him, “It is my honor. Working with you is healing for me. It is a blessing to do good in a world where there is so little of it” He then put his hand to his heart and I did the same.

He would always tell me that I was destined to be a leader. With his encouragement and support, I have since dedicated myself to advocating for others and have been doing meaningful and impactful work.

John was more than a conqueror through God who loves us. He was Pasadena’s Champion. He left the world a better place while preparing and removing obstacles on our road ahead.

As John would often say, “On Forward!”

God bless the Kennedy family and all of Pasadena. We are a city of one people!

I love you John, forever.

Jalen Dove

Intern to John J. Kennedy

I had the pleasure of having lunch with Coun cilmember Kennedy in November of 2021, when we discussed opportunities to serve within the City of Pasadena.

Councilmember Kennedy’s presence will be missed, but his legacy will live on.

LOVELY EMAIL MESSAGES RECEIVED:

Always offering a kind word of encouragement, advice, great book reads, scriptures, and hearty laughter, he is a daily source of inspiration. I am forever indebted to him for his mentorship, and I will cherish our relationship forever.

In Councilmember Kennedy’s fighting spirit, “Forward!”

Thank you Lena. Very well said. You laid a challenge for all to continue John’s work. It was good to hear Councilmember Tyron Hampton take up the challenge, promising that he will do so as long as he continues on the council. Love, Yolie

Aaron Shakoor ll

I’ve known John since I was 17 years old. I first met him when he was working at City Hall here in Pasadena. Over the ensuing years, John would become a valuable mentor and a supportive friend.

I learned over time that John’s family, like many others in the area, had a long history that resulted in numerous connections throughout the city. As a member of a longstanding Pasadena family myself, I thought I knew everybody. Through John however, I came to know a number of individuals I otherwise would not have known. To this day, many of these people remain in my life as friends and business associates.

John worked tirelessly to bring about economic and social justice. His dedication to the Black community was evident, and he balanced this dedication by treating members of different communities with fairness and respect. John’s commitment to public service continued nearly every day until his sudden passing, which shocked those who knew and worked with him.

I will always remember John for his extreme work ethic, his lofty goals, and the interest he took in the well-being and success of others. John’s passing has left a huge void that will prove very difficult to fill. I can only hope and pray that collectively we can continue with the work that John left in progress. The work continues.

Thank you for everything John J Kennedy! May you rest in peace.

LOVELY EMAIL MESSAGES RECEIVED:

Dear God: I’m not happy. There’s an entire community of people in Pasadena who knew and loved John J. Kennedy as I did who are not happy either. We’re not happy because this Son of Pasadena, this Servant of the People, was called to heaven too soon – a life of good deeds that will now remain forever unfinished. We do know that when John arrived at the Pearly Gates and St. Peter opened the Book, there was a large chapter in it devoted to all the good deeds that John accomplished for Pasadena. We are sure that there must have been a long line that formed, waiting behind John while St. Peter finished reading that chapter. And we are also sure that when St. Peter finally finished reading the Pearly Gates opened extra wide to admit John J. Kennedy to the Kingdom of Heaven. Thank you, God, for blessing us with the life John J. Kennedy.

Abraham Carons

John was a big brother to me. I was born in Africa and grew up there. His love for Africa and Black people around the continent was what endeared me to John. His passion for justice, equity and empowerment of people of African descent was palpable and I admired his courage immensely.

I was his Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch; so we would discuss a wide range of topics. January 2021, I decided to relocate to Uganda (East Africa) to pursue some investment interests. He was the constant source of inspiration for me. He often sent me words of encouragement, scriptures and prayer texts.

Sometime in the fall of 2020, John invited me over to his House. He knelt down, said some words of prayers (mostly Thanksgiving) and proceeded to give me a Suit. I brought that suit with me to Africa, I wear proudly and I look debonair rocking John’s suit. He was also an avid collector of vintage “cufflinks.”

He was the “People’s Champion.” The “People’s Politician.” He was naturally charismatic and charming. His smile, his genuine care was infectious.

The spontaneity of love and admiration showered on John in the streets of Pasadena was a reflection of whom he was. Evidence of this is the annual Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway by John and Holiday Gathering at the Pasadena Public Library.

He genuinely loved people. He taught me a lot of without teaching me. His life was the course. I will miss you John J. Kennedy. Love you big brother!

Dr. Alyssa Van Dyk

John was a close friend of my aunt, Roseline Dauphin, and by extension my entire family. After moving to Pasadena four years ago, I was blessed to spend time with them both. During these tough, crazy times of COVID and lockdowns, we enjoyed small family dinners and celebrated birthdays, bringing some levity and support during this period of uncertainty. Within this circle, John could be open with our small knit family, and I witnessed his tenacity and strong faith. We prayed together and provided support for each other so we all could rise up in the face of unflinching faith and hope. John talked about more he had to do, for other people and for our community.

As much as John accomplished in his life, and his truly impressive resume, I can say, I witnessed a man who did none of it for his own accolades, but was a consummate servant of other people, of the least of these. John leaves more than a legacy, he leaves an example to follow. I have a renewed sense of purpose in my own life as a physician, and as a follower of Christ in witnessing John’s dedication to service and his impact on the community and all those around him. By their fruits ye shall know them. I hope that he’s finally taking a break, though he probably has a bigger assignment now.

“His Lord said unto him, well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou has been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” Matt 25:21

Andrea Goodman

We know that to everything there is a season, time, and purpose. Ecclesiastes tells us that perfectly. Yet, who would have known that a season would end on July 21, 2022? That was the day that the roll was called and his name was on the list. So undoubtedly, he chose to surrender his earthly position for the mansion that was promised him in heaven.

To some, the life of this great man was all about politics and community activism. While that was a big portion of his existence, he was so much more. His existence touched me, Andrea Goodman, as a person specifically because of his kindness and grace he showed not only my mother, Helen Goodman but also my 10-year-old granddaughter, and me.

My mother called John’s office because she had wanted some writing pens for her senior group. Expecting to get a return call from support staff, John called her himself and told her to come over and pick up the pens that he had arranged for her. We laughed about it because I could not believe that a man with such important issues would take the time to make sure her small request was handled. John also took the time to speak to my granddaughter about her interests in life as she attended his fundraiser in June. She has told so many friends and family about their conversation that day.

Being a homeowner in John’s district has allowed me to benefit from programs and initiatives he championed. As neighborhood watch captain, John’s office came to my home to inform our neighbors of important matters in our city and district as we initiated Neighborhood Watch on our one-block street. John was proof that God so loved this City of Roses and District 3.

Alyce Ann and Robert Hamilton

I have known John for over forty years. He was a trusted friend and advisor.

John attended high school with my nephew and I was always impressed by his drive and compassion to give back to the community of the City of Pasadena. I became more aware of John’s limitless energy and compassion for others, when he ran for office and was elected president of the NAACP Pasadena chapter.

If anybody in the community needed assistance, I would refer them to John and he would go above and beyond the call of duty to assist. He epitomized the definition of being a loyal pillar of the community and friend. His capacity to care for others allowed him to maintain healthy fruitful relationships with everyone he came across.

John, your story of how you had an endless compassion for others will still be talked about by the people you have touched. No matter how much time will have passed, you will always be missed and never forgotten.

With our caring thoughts, Alyce Ann and Robert Hamilton

Barbara and Bill Steinwedell

John has been our close and treasured friend for decades. We first met at a beautiful, catered dinner in his home, which he had contributed to the auction at a local charitable event. Instantly, we became friends and left the dinner with a number of books from his private library which he thought we would enjoy.

In his home John had a stunning collection of portraits of mostly anonymous subjects. In his words, he had purchased them during his world travels for next to nothing. The collection revealed a discerning eye and a deep love and respect for all kinds of people. He loved Pasadena and all its citizens. We lost a wise and caring leader.

We have sometimes found a poem or saying that had a special meaning and at such a sad time, let us note one written by a Roman poet by the name of Flavia:

“Some people come into your life and quickly go. Others stay for a while and teach what is important in this life. They sear one’s soul. They leave their footprints on your heart, and you are never again the same.”

Flavia could have written this for John who was a mentor and a friend to many. We will miss his repartee, his good cheer and great friendship. To John with love,

Barbara and Bill

Charlotte E. Forté-Parnell, Ed.D.

I’ve known John since the early 1990’s. We were both grant writers, and we became a grant writing team. Our successful venture resulted in bringing over $1 million from the federal government to the economic development needs of Northwest Pasadena. That was our goal: Help the community. We started as professional colleagues and shortly thereafter became FRIENDS. John was always no-nonsense, frank and honest. We worked well together. I always loved his infectious smile.

Through the years we remained in contact. John always worked where he could be of service. That’s what he was about - LOVE and SERVICE. He often shared bible scriptures and community involvement opportunities with me via social media. I referred to him as “Bro” and he considered me “Sis”. Thanks to social media, we were able to “check in” with each other more frequently. At our last luncheon date, we shared many personal testimonies. John was very supportive of my developing artistic efforts and recently texted me, “I still want my picture.” I will forever keep it for him.

He stayed positive and optimistic until the end. Two things I know for sure, John LOVED Pasadena and he LOVED his family. He proved it!

My Brother John Kennedy

One day in the fall of 2015 Councilman John Kennedy tapped me on the shoulder at a community event and presented his idea of creating a sister city for Pasadena in Africa. He explained to me that Pasadena had three sister cities in Asia and two in Europe but emphasized that there were zero in Africa. That left an important part of our community unrepresented in the sisterhood arena. By the end of 2015, the Pasadena Sister Cities Committee (PSCC) had established an Ad Hoc Committee on Africa to explore the possibilities and PSCC appointed me to chair the new committee.

It took the Ad Hoc Committee four years of intense work, including an exploratory delegation to Dakar Plateau, in Senegal, led by John himself. The city-to-city relationship became an official reality in June 2019 when the Mayor of Dakar Plateau Alioune Ndoye visited Pasadena to sign an agreement with then Mayor Terry Tornek before the City Council.

In 2015, John was also thinking about the creation of a civilian oversight committee to monitor the Pasadena Police Department, but his thinking was ahead of its