Remembering Kevin Kennedy of Toms River

Kevin F. Kennedy
June 13, 1970 ~ July 23, 2026 (age 56)

Kevin F. Kennedy, 56, of Toms River, passed away on July 23, 2026.

Born in Kearny, Kennedy spent his childhood in Lavallette before making Toms River his home after marrying his wife, Kristine. He earned an associate degree from Ocean County College and went on to build a distinguished career in the construction industry.

A carpenter since the age of 15, Kennedy joined the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America after completing his education. His skill and leadership were recognized early in his career, earning him a promotion to a management role on his first union job after completing his apprenticeship. At the time of his death, he was employed as a construction superintendent with M&M Construction in Cranford.

Kennedy is survived by his wife, Kristine; his son, Jack, whom his family described as his best friend; his mother, Carolyn Larsen; his fathers, Ron Sikkema and William Kennedy; his sister, Taryn Sickel, and her husband, Rob; his nephews, Mattix and Brody; and his parents-in-law, Jeanne and Theodore Bessler.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 29, at Timothy Ryan Home for Funerals, 145 St. Catherine Blvd., Toms River.

A funeral service is scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday, July 30, at the funeral home, followed by burial at St. Joseph Cemetery in Toms River.

Online condolences may be shared with the family through the funeral home's website.

The family also announced plans to hold a memorial paddle-out in September to celebrate Kennedy's life and his lifelong connection to the water.

Remembered as a true waterman, Kennedy developed a passion for surfing, lifeguarding and fishing while growing up in Lavallette, where he created countless memories with lifelong friends along the Jersey Shore.

Services

VISITATION

DATE: Wednesday, July 29, 2026
TIME: 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
LOCATION:
Timothy E. Ryan Home for Funerals- SCB
145 St. Catherine Blvd
Toms River, NJ 08755

FUNERAL SERVICE

DATE: Thursday, July 30, 2026
TIME: 10:00 AM
LOCATION:
Timothy E. Ryan Home for Funerals- SCB
145 St. Catherine Blvd
Toms River, NJ 08755

BURIAL

DATE: Thursday, July 30, 2026
TIME: 11:00 AM
LOCATION:
St. Joseph Cemetery - Toms River
62 Cedar Grove Road
Toms River, NJ 08753

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