Thomas P. Kennedy

Thomas Patrick Kennedy (August 15, 1951 – June 28, 2015) was an American politician.

Thomas Kennedy
Kennedy in 2008
Member of the Massachusetts Senate from the 2nd Plymouth and Bristol district
In office January 7, 2009 – June 28, 2015
Preceded by	Robert S. Creedon Jr.
Succeeded by	Michael Brady
Member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives from the 9th Plymouth district
In office 1983–2009
Preceded by	Mark Lawton
Succeeded by	Michael Brady
Member of the Brockton City Council from Ward 2
In office 1978–1985
Personal details
Born	(1951-08-15)August 15, 1951 Brockton, Massachusetts, U.S.
Died	June 28, 2015(2015-06-28) (aged 63) Brockton, Massachusetts
Political party	Democratic

Early life and education

Born in Brockton, Massachusetts, Kennedy graduated from Cardinal Spellman High School in 1969. He studied for the Roman Catholic priesthood at Our Lady of Hope Seminary. While studying at the seminary, Kennedy was seriously injured that left him a quadriplegic. Kennedy received his associate degree from Massasoit Community College, his bachelor's degree from Stonehill College, and his master's degree from the John F. Kennedy School of Government.

Career

Official portrait, circa 2003

Kennedy began his political career as the City of Brockton's Ombudsman under Brockton Mayor David Crosby. Kennedy then entered elected office, serving on the Brockton City Council representing Ward 2 from 1978 to 1985. In addition to serving as Brockton City Councilor, from 1978 to 1983 Kennedy also served as an aide to Congressman Brian Donnelly.^[1]

In 1983 Kennedy won a 9-way special Democratic primary for the 9th Plymouth District with 33% of the vote, after incumbent Democratic State Representative Mark Lawton stepped down.^[2] Kennedy served in the Massachusetts House of Representatives as the 9th Plymouth District State Representative from 1983 until 2009.^[3][4]

In 2008, incumbent Democratic State Senator Robert S. Creedon decided not to run for re-election,^[5] and Kennedy ran for and won the now-vacant State Senate seat, facing no opposition in the Democratic primary. Kennedy served in the Massachusetts State Senate representing the 2nd Plymouth and Bristol district, which includes his hometown of Brockton, Massachusetts and several surrounding towns, until his death in 2015.^[6]

Death

Kennedy died from pneumonia in 2015.^[7][8]

References

1. Benson, James E. (2015). Brockton. Arcadia Publishing. ISBN 978-1-4671-3395-1.
2. "PD43+ » 1983 State Representative Special Democratic Primary 9th Plymouth District". PD43+. Retrieved 2020-06-29.
3. "Member Profile – Thomas P. Kennedy." Massachusetts General Court.
4. Welch, William F.; James, Steven T. (eds., 2008). Public officers of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (2007–2008). p. 152. Massachusetts General Court.
5. Allegrini, Elaine. "Political frenzy erupts as Creedon moves to leave Senate". The Patriot Ledger, Quincy, MA. Retrieved 2020-06-29.
6. "Thomas Kennedy, state senator from Brockton, dies at 63". Boston Globe. June 29, 2015. Retrieved 29 June 2015.
7. Votemart.org-Thomas P. Kennedy
8. Senator Thomas P. Kennedy-obituary