J. Tyson "Ty" Kennedy

J. Tyson "Ty" Kennedy

Age 89 of Pittsburgh on Sunday,  July 1, 2018. Born in Pittsburgh, November 28, 1928, to Lois Smith and T. Reed Kennedy.  He attended New Hampton School and Colgate University after which he returned to Pittsburgh where he married his childhood sweetheart Janet Anderson who preceded him in death in 2016.   Ty began his career as a salesman with the D.J. Kennedy Company selling coal converters door to door, followed by a 42 year career with ALCOA which included introducing the world to the aluminum can. Ty had many interests – all of them enjoyed in the company of family - fly fishing with his father-in-law, enjoying the beauty of Stoney Lake Ontario, playing golf, tennis and paddle tennis, singing barbershop quartet with his three brothers and regaling our gatherings with his masterful story telling. He took his role as family historian seriously- cataloguing generations of home movies and writing memoirs, bringing ancestors and family adventures to life. Ty (known as Gramps) made a vocation of attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, becoming a fixture for them and their coaches alike. Ty was generous with his quick wit and banter with most everyone he met – from the wait staff at his favorite diner to the owner of his favorite hardware store and anyone he might hold a door for. He was loyal to his motto, ‘always leave them laughing’, literally until the day he died. His volunteer service included serving as Chairman of Harmarville Rehabilitation Center, Elder of the Third Presbyterian Church and Co-founder of The Gathering Place. Ty was preceded in death by his brother Thomas Reed Kennedy, Jr. He is survived by his brothers George D. Kennedy and Robert D. Kennedy and children, Robert Kennedy, Margo Kennedy Dym (Jeff) and Marc Kennedy (Diana Schwab); six grandchildren, Erin Sweeney (Patrick), Sarah Deschauer (Christian), Christopher Kennedy, Elizabeth Kennedy, Katharine Kennedy and Maxwell Dym; three great- grandchildren, Finley Sweeney, Regan Sweeney and Ty Deschauer. The family wishes to express our gratitude to Ty’s devoted caregiver, Cathie Dixon. A memorial service will be held in the Homewood Cemetery Chapel on Saturday, September 8, 2018 at 12 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice.

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