Chester R. Kennedy

Chester Ralph Kennedy, Jr., CHO, 91, of 136 Amber Pl, Melbourne Beach FL, passed away peacefully May 24th at his son’s home in Sherborn, MA.

Husband to the late Barbara (Partridge) Kennedy. Graduate of Middleboro High School 1944. Proudly served in the Navy during World War II. Graduate of Massachusetts College of Art in 1951. State Public Health over 36 years. District Health officer for Southeastern MA region 1984 to 1989.

Chet was president and chairman of 11 associations throughout his life. Co-founding ReachOut, Inc.,a health education and substance prevention program.

Another outstanding achievement was coordinating and co-authoring school health education legislation. In 1974 laws were passed requiring health education to be taught in all Massachusetts Public Schools (COHES).
He received the Michael Dukakis Governor’s Award in 1989. Public Health Hero Award in 2011, Governor William Weld Museum Founder Award 1993, Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011, Paul Revere Award 1990, Pub. Health Assn. 25 Years Award 1986, Mass. Health Officers Association. (emeritus, Curtis M. Hillard award 1989, New England Public Health Association (pres. 1984-85, Ira Hiscock award 1980, 25 year award 1989, presidents award, 2001

Chet’s Zenith was developing the concept of a first of its kind in the nation public health Museum. He worked for 25 years saving materials and artifacts, with the museum residing at the historic Tewksbury Hospital.

Chet is survived by his youngest sibling,John Francis Kennedy of Fort Myers ,Fl., daughter Karen(Brooke), son Scott(Douglas), and grandson, Cameron Kennedy Dermody.

A celebration of life will be announced in the future. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the Public Health museum at 365 East St.,Tewksbury, MA.,01876 PMH.org