Leonore Blitz

it was at the New York Historical Society. Of course, I saw John when you invited me to his 60th surprise Zoom Birthday Party.

I know how close you and John were, and no words can lessen your grief and great loss. You were a team. May you be comforted by your faith, the years you worked together, and a lifetime of celebrating family occasions. His loss is enormous to family, friends, the community he served in Pasadena, and the thousands who benefited from his goodness, grace, guidance, and mentoring.

I read the obituaries in the papers and the remembrances from the mayor and his colleagues and friends. Also, there are the many people in politics and high office with whom he worked and supported, including Senator Tim Kane, President Biden, President Obama, and dozens more. They loved and respected him. I clearly remember the day during the 2020 campaign when John hosted now President Biden at his home, and you also hosted him by organizing a large event with women leaders in Southern California.

I last called John on Wednesday night to catch up and left him a message – this was the day before his passing.

Blessings and much love, Leonore

JJK stands for Joyful and Joyous King. John lived this out daily. I met John in elemen tary school at Lincoln Elementary School which is now the post office on Lincoln and Orange Grove. I am taking you back. We have been friends for quite some time. John always helped me see the bigger picture and was a great example. John’s life echoed, pursue your highest and best self. We attended Blair High School and John encouraged me to be a part of the student administration where he was ASB President and I served as Secretary. I began learning at this time, the importance of serving more than yourself. I learned about community and the greater good. Over the years we stayed in touch. We would catch up on one another’s lives by having lunches and visiting when we could. One visit I will never forget is the one when I was living in NYC. John and

Leslie A. Caldwell

I went out clubbing and we were not drunk. We had a fabulous time;walking home we started singing the Frank Sinatra song New York New York at the top of our lungs at four in the morning and you know John could belt out that deep voice and someone threw a bucket of water out of their window. We laughed so much and said well good things have to come to an end. It was such a memorable moment and so much fun. I can go on and on about the experiences, the mentoring, the scriptures and words of wisdom John sent at least monthly, but I would end up writing a book about it all. John J. Kennedy was built for life; he exemplified a life of service, of loving people, of caring for his beloved family. He will always be remembered and honored. John was a fierce persona and he made a difference in the lives of many. He adored

Maryetta Knox

my daughter Gabrielle and called himself her God father and Gabby loved John and all his beautiful sisters. So this is a deeply tough time to lose a great friend, mentor and statesman.

I will say in the last three years it was a joy serving our great City of Pasadena with John, as a Human Services Commissioner and serving as a founding member for Dakar Plateau Sister Cities, the first African Sister City for Pasadena. John made history in Pasadena and he will always be remembered as a man who served the people and was exemplary in his service to the City of Pasadena. He is a great man, a historical individual who has set the bar high for those willing to carry his legacy forward, creating One Pasadena. So my friend, I honor you today holding onto the fond memories of a life well lived; I know God is saying, welcomed my strong, faithful and wise servant. Enjoy your time in heaven. Miss and love you much.

We thank God for John J. Kennedy who was like a lion as he defended and protected all that was important to him. He was the “people’s councilman.”

We also thank his kind and loving family for sharing him with us, and we thank God for letting the citizens of this great city have him for a while.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”