Francis "Rusty" J. Kennedy, Jr.

Francis J. “Rusty” Kennedy, Jr., 72, of Poquoson, Virginia, passed away on July 11, 2026, due to natural causes.

Rusty grew up in Wildwood, New Jersey, and made Poquoson his home for the past 39 years. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1975 until 1996.

During his military service, Rusty worked with AFOSI (Air Force Office of Special Investigation) from 1979 to 1996 before beginning a career in loss prevention with Farm Fresh Grocery for several years. Later, his love for model airplanes led him to owning and operating Stream Hobby Shop.  

Rusty was a history buff and loved collecting coins, airplane propellers, and watches. He was especially passionate about R/C airplanes and spent many hours flying and presiding over local R/C clubs.

Above all, Rusty was devoted to his family. His unwavering love, loyalty, and faith were the foundation of his life and of the beautiful marriage he shared with his beloved wife, Amy Kennedy, for over 49 and a half years.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Amy Diane Kennedy; his daughters, Jennifer Fox (Jonathan Fox) and Lisa Kennedy (Michael Galbraith); his cherished grandchildren, Kathleen Fox, William Fox, and Autumn Galbraith; his siblings, Kathleen Kennedy Van Fossen (Samuel Casey) and Shawn Kennedy (AnMarie Johnson Kennedy); his first cousin, Ceres Bainbridge (Kenneth W. Chafey); along with many dear friends.

A memorial service will be held at The Anchor Social Hall in Poquoson on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at 11:00am. A reception will follow immediately. 

*Please leave the black at home. Dad loved bright colors, laughter, and living life to the fullest. Honor his memory by wearing something colorful that celebrates the joy he brought into the world.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the AMA Foundation, Academy of Model Aeronautics Foundation.

Arrangements and heartfelt guidance through Claytor Rollins Funeral Home.

Online condolences to claytorrollins.com.

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