Obituary of Terence P. Kennedy

Terence “Terry” Kennedy Sr., 73, of Hanover entered into rest on January 12, 2026 at the Chautauqua County Nursing Home in Dunkirk following a brief illness. Terry was born March 13, 1952 in Buffalo, NY to the late Kenneth and Evelyn (Clare) Kennedy. A graduate of Williamsville North High School, Terry went on to work for the former Bethlehem Steel Company in Lackawanna before starting a career with the NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. He was hired in 1982 at Collins Correctional where he worked as a Trades Generalist. In 1991, Terry was promoted to the position of Locksmith and was assigned to assist with the opening of the former Gowanda Correctional Facility. He remained at Gowanda as the facility’s Locksmith until his retirement in 2011. Terry had an intense passion for life and an infectious laugh and sense of mischief to go along with it. He was constantly active with something. He especially enjoyed camping and hiking at Allegany State Park and along the Kinzua Reservoir, as well as campfires and cookouts at his “cabin in the woods” with his family and close friends. He had a strong connection to nature and was an avid hunter and fisherman; he also loved live music. Service to one’s community is something Terry valued greatly, having volunteered with Hidi and Versailles Volunteer Fire Companies and served as a Steward for the CSEA Union during his employment at Gowanda Correctional Facility.

Terry is survived by his wife, Laura (Koteras) Kennedy and their children Evelyn and Russell, both at home. He also leaves behind two daughters, Jennifer (Alex) Rossano of Highlands, NJ and Rachel (Brett) Ruff of Perrysburg, NY, a son, Terence (Molly) Kennedy Jr. of Gowanda, NY and a sister Maureen (late Kent) Covey of Cincinnati, OH. He was “Beepa” to his grandchildrenTaylor (Sonny George) Festa of Gowanda, Mason, Logan, and Morgan Ruff of Perrysburg and Darcy and Patrick Kennedy of Gowanda and James and Kelly Rossano of Highlands, NJ. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews from WNY to New England.

In addition to his parents, Terry was preceded in death by brothers, Shannon (Patricia) Kennedy and Kevin Kennedy and a sister, Patricia (David) Schank.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in honor of Terry’s memory may be made to: The Arbor Day Foundation: www.arborday.org or Northern Chautauqua Catholic School.

Friends may call at the Hole-Parker Funeral Chapel, 160 Central Ave. Silver Creek, NY on Thursday, January 29, 2026 from 4-7 PM, where a memorial service will follow at 7PM. Please share online condolences at www.holeparkerfc.com