Birth date: Aug 5, 1945 Death date: Feb 12, 2022
On Saturday, February 12, 2022, Lewis F. “Bud” Kennedy passed away peacefully at St. Joseph’s Hospital with his loving family by his side. Born August 5, 1945 in Syracuse, to Lewis T. and Agatha Osbelt Kennedy, Bud grew up and re Read Obituary
On behalf of our family, I would like to thank you all for your thoughts and prayers over the last several weeks.
I know that I don’t have to tell you how special a person that he was to so many –husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, co-worker, manager, confidant. He left is his mark on each of us in different ways.
He was dedicated, hardworking, and kind. He saw the good in everyone, and led by example. Whether it was helping someone find something in the store, stocking shelves, running a register, take groceries to a customer’s car, listening to a complaint or suggestion, checking the fluids in your car, delivering donuts or providing food for various occasions, offering advice or gentle guidance, a warm smile. He was always ready to lend a helping hand, share laugh, or a joke….he loved a good joke and couldn’t wait to share them!
His took great pride and joy in his family, in Green Hills – and all the employees and associates that he worked side by side with each day, his mentor and great friend the late Keith Hawkins, and his Irish heritage.
And you know, as I think about his life and the lives of the people he has touched and the influence that he had on so many, I am kind of awestruck.
If you think about it, over the last 60 years a great percentage of the young adults from the Valley, Nedrow, South Onondaga, Jamesville, LaFayette, Navarino, Tully, Marcellus and all places in between, held their very first job at Green Hills. It was a right of passage. To wear the Green Apron. He had nephews from as far away as Liverpool and Fayetteville come to work their very first job for Uncle Bud, who else?
Really, he played an instrumental part in shaping the work ethic, loyalty and perseverance of so many. Not just Buddy and I, and our children; but thousands of others who got their start under his leadership at Green Hills. These folks are now spread across the country and in other countries - successful businessmen and woman, nurses, teachers, technicians, scientists, carpenters, plumbers, doctors, lawyers, professional athletes….I could go on and on. So many who have credited their foundation to the lessons they learned at Green Hills. I just cannot tell you how many people I have heard say, “Bud, what a great guy”, they have fond memories of working at Green Hills, the Valley and the lessons they learned.
Dad, Buddy and I just want to thank you for the time we had; for our heritage, for your work ethic and sense of responsibility, loyalty and perseverance which you instilled in us and so many others. This we have passed on to our children and they will pass on to their children; as will the thousands of lives you have touched over the years with your gentle guidance.
We know that you will be here with us in spirit to guide us for the rest of our lives, and we want you to rest in peace knowing that by your example, you have lit the torch in so many and your legacy will live on forever.
That is what I call a life well lived!
Lauri Kennedy Eipp
Robin, Lauri, Marybeth and Buddy and family,
As a kid Bud was my manager at Green Hills. Little did I know I would end up a sister in law to his daughter Lauri. This is when I really got to know Bud and the kind and gentle man he was. Always enjoyed seeing and chatting with him at the family functions at Kevin and Lauri’s house.
I remember when Nana , Poppy and Bob past away Bud was the first one there to help with a very generous supply of food. His dedication will live on at Green Hills and his kind nature certainly will live on through Lauri and Buddy.
Wish we could have been there with you all.
Dear Lauri, Buddy and families,
I can't count the number of hours I spent in your house and the gracious welcome I always felt being there. Your dad was a dedicated and loving father and sweet to your friends who chose to "join" your family. We wish you all deep comfort as you navigate your dad's loss. Words are never enough.
Joelle & Jim Dyer
Robin, Mary Beth and Family,
Words cannot express how very sorry I am to hear of Bud's passing. It has been over 22 years since I worked at Green Hills and to this day I have nothing but fond memories of my time there. Bud was a wonderful man who will always be deeply missed. My heart goes out to you all.
Please know my thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time.
To Bud's Green Hills family,
Please accept my sincerest condolences at the loss of your friend and co-worker. I know this is a loss deeply felt by you all.
I know that Bud will always be watching over all his family members and friends from above. A true guardian angel
Rest in peace Bud
Lisa Amidon
As a little girl, I shopped with my mother at Green Hills and always remember Bud as someone kind and friendly, always a pat on my head. As a teenager, I worked at Green Hills and Bud was just as kind and friendly as I navigated my first real job. I'm so sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful man.
--Laurie Ward
Family and Friends of "Bud" Kennedy:
Have happy memories of "Bud" when we were students at the Onondaga Valley Academy from 1958-63. One of the friendliest and funniest persons ever known to me. Even happier to learn of his happy and successful career and family life.
Everyone's sense of sadness and loss must profound and deep. May your period of grief and bereavement be, mercifully, short.
God bless you all.
Edward J. Bradley, Sr., Albany, N.Y.
Robin and family,
I join with every Green Hills employee and customer and the entire and beloved Valley in being heart broken. Bud was an icon and so dedicated to quality customer service and making the Green Hills brand the best. You know how much my favorite judge and Bud loved to chat about everything and anything. I know they are continuing that conversation.
And Bud loved Make A Wish and welcomed fundraising events to the store being generous to so many charities A true heart of gold.
Our son and daughter both wore the green aprons during their high school days.
When our daughter was very young, she had a toy cash register and when she played store, sometimes you'd hear her say over a toy microphone....Bud Kennedy to North check out!
Sending you our love, sympathy and friendship.
Sue Tormey and family
So very sorry for your loss buddy & entire family. Great man. Our deepest condolences 🙏 Lorre, Mark & Barb Johnson
