John G. Kennedy, retired Nassau police deputy commissioner, dies at 90

John G. Kennedy, a longtime Nassau County police official who rose through the ranks of the department before retiring as second deputy commissioner in 2002, died earlier this month.

Nassau police called Kennedy’s May 19 death a 9/11-related line of duty death. He was 90 years old.

"Our hearts, prayers and condolences go out to the entire Kennedy family and their friends during this time of grief," Nassau police said in a statement.

Kennedy, who lived in Bayville and Jupiter, Florida, was born in Brooklyn and began a lifetime of public service when he joined the Nassau County Police Department in 1958, according to an obituary on the Oyster Bay Funeral Home’s website.

Kennedy earned a master’s degree from LIU-C.W. Post and a law degree from Hofstra University. He continued to serve as the director of Crime Stoppers after his retirement from the department. He also served as an attorney for the Nassau County Police Emerald Society Pipe Band.

Kennedy worked for 23 years as a labor arbitrator and served as an associate judge for the Village of Bayville, the obituary said. He directed the Oak Neck Athletic League bocce program, acted as a referee in Nassau County foreclosures and served as vice president and treasurer of the Baymen’s Heritage Association. Kennedy also provided research and technical assistance to bestselling author Nelson DeMille.

Kennedy’s greatest joy, the obituary said, came from those he loved. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Carol, as well as his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a wide circle of loving friends.

Kennedy was instrumental in efforts to create a memorial to baymen who died while harvesting shellfish in Oyster Bay's Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park. Kennedy's son, Michael Kennedy, died at the age of 57 while shellfishing on the Long Island Sound in 2020, 

"A lifetime of quiet heroism, unwavering principle, and deep love for family and community defined John. He will be remembered not only for the many roles he filled with distinction, but for the way he made everyone around him feel safe, valued, and cared for," the obituary said.

A wake will be held on Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Oyster Bay Funeral Home in Oyster Bay. A funeral Mass is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Gertrude Roman Catholic Church in Bayville.