Teena Maria Hostovich

My name is Teena Maria Hostovich, and I first met John Jackson Kennedy in 2009 through my friendship with his wonderful sister, Lena Louise Kennedy.

John was an important part of my life from then on; he taught me much about community service, dedication to family and love of country. We shared so many experiences and adventures over the years, and I truly cannot believe that he is gone.

One of my favorite memories of John was in Washington, D.C., the night before my first visit to the White House as a guest of President Barack Obama. My husband, Doug Martinet, and my son, Michael Martinet, were also there, as John regaled us with stories and his life lessons. The next night, all of us were at the White House chatting with the Obamas and eating holiday cookies. A second memory is of a conversation that I had with John where he suggested to me that I should run for office. I told him that no one had ever really suggested that to me before and that I did not think that I was particularly worthy. He told me that from his perspective, I was indeed worthy, and that he would absolutely support me in any way I needed. This was an important moment for me as it helped to build my confidence for the future, and in many ways, it allowed me to become more involved in democracy and ultimately, led to my role as Vice Chair of Lockton Pacific.

When John decided to run for office, I was, of course, all in! I knew that with his great love of Pasadena and with the extraordinary assistance of his family, and in particular, his beloved sister Lena, he would do all the right things to move Pasadena and our country forward.

When my dear friend, Jaynie Studenmund, lost her only son, Staff Sergeant Scott Studenmund, of the United States Army Special Forces, in Afghanistan (he was killed in action in Kabul, where they were securing the road to make it safe for free elections; it was 30 minutes before he was set to be evacuated out to return home to the United States). John was the first public official to send a letter of condolence to the family. He also reached out to the White House. Later, he was instrumental in helping us secure the permission to build the Enduring Heroes Monument in Defenders Park Pasadena, which pays tribute to the fallen men and women of the greater San Gabriel Valley who gave their life and service of our freedom. In 2016, John and Lena attended an event at my house with President Bill Clinton, for presidential candidate, Secretary Hillary Clinton, and John manage to charm the President, of course. Finally, he was a great supporter of our mutual friend, Senator Cory Booker, and the three of us had many lovely moments together.

Doug, Michael and I will truly miss this great man. Our hearts go out to Lena Louise Kennedy, my treasured and loved friend, to his wonderful family, and all the people in Pasadena, and the greater San Gabriel Valley who will miss him always.

RIP, my Brother, John.

Terry Tornek

NOTES ON MY FRIEND JOHN J. KENNEDY

Pasadena has lost an important element of our civic community with the death of my friend John J. Kennedy.

He was a big personality who was devoted to the City and to those who needed effective repre sentation more than most. His giant community Christmas party and turkey giveaways were indicators of how much he wanted to give back to the community that nurtured him from birth.

But John was at his best when championing critical causes that other officials didn’t really care much about: community police oversight, significant investment in Robinson Park and pool, housing for the very low income, recognition of minority neighborhoods displaced by urban renewal, creation of an African Sister City relationship. On some of these issues, I was initially on the other side, but he turned me around. He could be relentless, sometimes outrageous, but nonetheless effective- because he was usually right.

He was proud of his city, his community, his family and of his achievements. Proud, but not satisfied. There was much more on his agenda, both for Pasadena and personally. That’s the pity of his premature passing. His advocacy for some sort of reparation aspect in the redevelopment of the 710-freeway stub; his continued clamoring for an aspirational number of very low income housing units; his oversight of Rose Bowl finances; who will pursue these causes in his absence?

In addition to all the kind words that will be uttered about John J. Kennedy, the best memorial that we could create for him would be positive outcomes on the issues that he cared so much about.

Go with God Brother John; we’ll keep up the fight.