In memory of Red Kennedy

On August 23, 2017 the labor movement in Mercer County and New Jersey was sadden to hear of the passing of a giant in our industry, Donald Joseph (Red) Kennedy. I was fortunate enough to have known and worked with him.

Red Kennedy was a name I heard as a child growing up; he and my father were life long friends. In June of 1994 I was elected as a Business Agent for Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union No. 9 and at that time Red was the President of the Mercer/Burlington County Building Trades. Red had no equal in his dealings with politicians, builders, lawyers or the regular rank and file. As the Irish often do, he had a gift where he could hold his own with anybody.

I witnessed it first hand; he could talk to a Senator, Congressman or an apprentice/journeyman construction worker with the greatest of ease. It was said he could talk a dog off a meat wagon. The Mercer/Burlington County Building Trades were blessed to have him at the helm. I think that it’s ironic that Red passed away right before Labor Day. Monday, September 4, 2017 is Labor Day and the labor world lost one of its greatest ambassadors in Red Kennedy. So as they say in the Irish toast. .. “here’s to you Red, May you be heaven a half hour before the devil knows your dead. May the Good the Lord have mercy on your Soul.” -- Michael Maloney, Business Manager, Financial Secretary Plumbers and

Pipefitters Local Union #9