By TOM WILLIAMS

In the 1950s, the names Kennedy and Wickes seemed to go together when Ocean City sports fans talked. They had been the leaders of the 1955 state basketball championship won by the Raiders. Both were belatedly inducted into the OCHS Sports Hall of Fame in 2021.

Like his longtime teammate and friend, the late Frank Wickes, Somers Point resident Joe Kennedy was more than just a basketball star. It is true that he held the school record for career points when he graduated. But there was more. He was an end on the football team, a first baseman and pitcher on the baseball team and a middle distance runner on the track team. His career point total in basketball is still among the 25 highest at OCHS 68 years after he graduated. Kennedy was named to the OCHS All-Century teams in both basketball and baseball. He batted .450 his senior year in baseball and was a South Jersey champion in track. He also was a rowing champion on the Ocean City Beach Patrol three straight years in the late 1950s.

He went on to graduate from LaSalle University and complete a year at Villanova Law School before realizing he didn’t really want to be a lawyer, He enlisted in the US Navy and attended Officer Candidate School. This led to his serving for over 30 years, specializing in Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Mine Warfare. Senior Naval positions include Commanding the Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technology Center, the Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal School, and the Atlantic Fleet EOD Forces. During this time, he also received master’s degrees from both the Naval War College and Central Michigan University.

Kennedy, who died earlier this month from complications resulting from a relatively minor surgery, is survived by two sons, a daughter, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was married to another prominent Ocean City resident – Lynne Cornwell – for 57 years until her death nearly two years ago.

The most impressive thing about Joe Kennedy, however, was not just that amazing resume. It was the modest way he went through life. He joined the OCHS Sports Hall of Fame committee after being inducted himself and was dedicated to finding the athletes and coaches who need to be recognized. He lived across Bay Avenue from the baseball field and would frequently visit home games. He was just another fan, not a Hall of Fame athlete with a great career who will be buried with Military Honors later at Arlington National Cemetery.

On the day he was inducted into the OCHS Sports Hall of Fame, there were many others on hand – including fellow inductee Steve Libro – who thought the highlight of their day was seeing Kennedy again. He was a humble and quiet man who impressed people while also making everyone feel comfortable.

Joe Kennedy was 85 years old.