John Robert Kennedy.
Graveside memorial service for family and friends will be held on Wednesday, April 30
– John Robert Kennedy, DVM passed on March 14, 2025, with his wife Patricia, daughters Jill and Lynn present. On April 9, 1934, John was born in Atascadero, California, the eldest child of Dr. Charles Robert Kennedy and Charlotte Mary Mevich Kennedy.
John grew up in Paso Robles, California as a Boy Scout with many friends. While at Paso Robles High School, he played football and baseball for the Bearcats and enjoyed orchestrating many pranks with friends. In 1952, John enrolled at Stanford University and played football as an End for the Cardinals. Later he transferred to Cal Poly SLO graduating with a Bachelor of Science. John furthered his education at Kansas State University graduating with a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine.
In 1955, John married Patricia Ann Smith and they had two daughters: Jill Ann born in 1960, Lynn Suzanne born in 1962. John and Pat settled with their girls in Concord, California. “Dr. K” owned Mueller Veterinary Hospital in Walnut Creek, practicing medicine and mentoring many young veterinarians for 37 years.
John enjoyed adventuring – skiing, camping, and traveling with friends and family. His camera was a close companion to memorialize these adventures. John loved his home town of Paso Robles, returning often for reunions and events.
John is survived by his wife Patrica; daughter Jill and husband Bob and their children Paige and husband Jacob, Noelle, Betsy, and Jackie and their children; daughter Lynn and her son Johnathon and his children Graham and Baylor; nephew Jeff and niece Debra and their families; sister-in-law’s Peggy & Tom and Sharon & Kevin; nieces and nephews Dorinda, Darrell, Susie, Krissi, and their families.
John was preceded in death by his only sibling, Susan Kay Kennedy Mason; sister-in-law Judith Diane Rowlett; brother-in-law Ross Matthias Knoeppel, Jr., and Bob’s son Justin Clair Ritzman.
Donations can be made to the Paso Robles Pioneer Museum, by check and mail to 2010 Riverside Avenue, Paso Robles, CA 93446; or online at https://pasoroblespioneermuseum.org/.
A graveside memorial service for family and friends will be held on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at 1 p.m. at the San Miguel Cemetery, 9405 Cemetery Road, San Miguel 93451. After the service, everyone is encouraged to gather at the San Miguel Community Hall for light refreshments, 256 – 13th Street in San Miguel.