Page 17 - Spring World of Welding - HIWT

In Memoriam
Long Time HIWT Supporter Patrick Kennedy

Patrick William Kennedy, 63, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle,
beloved friend, and avid race fan passed away Easter Sunday, April 12,
2020, after a courageous battle with COVID-19.
Pat was born on June 27, 1956, to the late William E. Kennedy, Jr., and
Frances L. Kennedy. A lifelong Indianapolis resident, Pat graduated from
Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School , Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory
School, and the University of Notre Dame, Class of 1978.
Pat was the 4th-generation president of the three Kennedy family
companies: Kennedy Tank & Manufacturing in Indianapolis; Southern
Tank in Owensboro, Kentucky; and STAFCO in Columbia City, Indiana.
At Kennedy Tank he worked alongside his three sons, Bill, Jimmy, and
Patrick; his brother-in-law Paul Bolin; and his nephew Kevin Bolin. Under
Pat’s leadership, the companies grew dramatically and became nationally
recognized in quality fabrication of steel tanks, pressure vessels, and
heat exchangers. Pat was a long-time board member of the Steel Tank
Institute, the Steel Tank Insurance Company, and Business Owners
International Manufacturing Alliance. Pat also was heavily involved in the
Young Presidents Organization and The American Business Club.
Outside of managing the family’s businesses, auto racing was Pat’s
greatest passion. He attended 57 consecutive Indianapolis 500 Mile races Mission, CYO, United Way, Friends of Holliday Park, Little Sisters of the
and all other motor-sport events held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Poor, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Foundation, and many schools and
(IMS) since his childhood. Pat purchased and refurbished a vintage IndyCar, parishes in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. Pat was a passionate sports
the Kennedy Tank Special, that originally competed in the 1948 and 1949 fan, rarely missing a game played by those in his family, but his interest
Indianapolis 500s. In driving the car on “Carb Day” at IMS numerous years, extended to any great competitive event. Pat was a devoted supporter and
Pat lived out his lifelong dream of being a race car driver. Pat served on the longtime season ticket holder of the Indiana Pacers and the Indianapolis
board of the 500 Mile Oldtimers Organization, sponsored race car drivers, Colts.
and wrote two books on race trivia, collaborating with IMS historian Pat was preceded in death by his beloved parents. He is survived by his
and friend Donald Davidson as a technical advisor. The two books he wife of 35 years, Cheryl Kennedy; children Maura (Chris Page), Bill (Ellen),
authored, How Much Do You Really Know About the Indianapolis 500? and Jimmy (Anna Grace Sterry), Patrick, and Joey Gaines; grandchildren Kate,
The Official Indy 500 Trivia Book were updated yearly with Short Chute Grace, Luke, and Bo; sisters Peggy Shorter (Mark), Kathy Fairchild (Thom),
Editions. His books were the result of a lifetime of immersive research and and Ann Bolin (Paul); and nieces and nephews Kelly Schneider (Matt),
experience at the track. Pat was a former director of the 500 Festival Board Mickey Shorter (Ashley); Kimmie Rumer (Justin) and Kyle Fairchild; and
and current director of the 500 Festival Foundation Board. The leaders Courtney, Kevin, and Brian Bolin.
of the IMS have voiced or written numerous notes and prayers to the
family about Pat’s passionate involvement. Anyone who spent a day at the Because of the uncertainty of the virus, a Mass and celebration of life
track with Pat Kennedy came away with a richer feel for the man and his will be delayed until time allows. A private family viewing and burial will
beloved Speedway. occur in the coming few weeks. Please remember Pat as you celebrate
Easter, St. Patrick’s Day, a Wawasee summer, Notre Dame football, and the
There was nothing that would keep Pat from fall football weekends and Indianapolis 500 Mile Race. The Kennedy family would like to thank the
stadium tailgates in South Bend. This year, as every year, was going to be incredibly passionate nursing, physician, and respiratory therapy staffs at
“Notre Dame’s year,” according to Pat. He was named the Indianapolis the St. Vincent Carmel and 86th Street campuses. We also send a special
Notre Dame Club’s “Man of the Year” in 2017, an honor previously thank you to family friends Dr. Michael Bojrab, our daily medical counsel
bestowed upon his father. A devoted sportsman, Pat was a talented during Pat’s hospitalization; and Dr. John Ramsey, who served as the family
basketball player at the Indianapolis Athletic Club, where he showed voice to Pat, as well as liaison and spokesperson with his caregivers. We
his prowess and passion for competition. He was a life-long runner, are forever grateful.
participating in twenty-five 500 Festival Mini Marathons. His family spent
summers at Lake Wawasee, and Pat continued that tradition with his own For those who wish, memorial contributions can be made to Wheeler
family, spending every August at the lake. Mission (c/o W.M. Administrative Offices, 205 East New York Street,
Indianapolis 46204) and Little Sisters of the Poor (2345 West 86th Street,
Pat was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church where he Indianapolis 46260).
earned the rank of Eagle Scout in Troop 174, Highland Golf & Country Club,
the White River Yacht Club, The Hundred Club, and the Notre Dame Club Leppert Mortuary, Nora Chapel assisting with arrangements. You are
of Indianapolis. He supported numerous organizations, including Wheeler invited to visit the website www.leppertmortuary.com where you
may share a personal memory of Pat.

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