Dr. Donald Gerry Kennedy

Dr. Donald Gerry Kennedy, of Newton died peacefully at home on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at age 87, surrounded by his beloved family. Born in Concord, MA, on February 23, 1936, the son of Malcolm and Dorothea, Donald grew up on Peaks Island, ME, with his family and graduated from Portland High School in 1954. He married his sweetheart Jean Ann Merrill of South Portland, ME, in 1959, and they shared 64 wonderful years together. 

Donald received degrees from Colby College (BA 1958), Wesleyan University (MAT 1965), and Harvard University (EdD 1977). 

He began his lengthy and distinguished career as an educator, administrator, and consultant in the Weston Public Schools, where he was on the Weston High School Social Studies faculty, and served as Director of Social Studies K-12, Program Director (K-12 curriculum), Assistant Superintendent for Personnel, and Interim Superintendent of Schools. He then went on to become the Superintendent of Schools in Duxbury and Maynard, before retiring in 2000. But that was not the end of his career in education. He brought his passion for the bigger picture to the consulting team at the New England School Development Council where he spent nearly 20 years masterfully guiding school districts around the region through change and transition.  

Donald is survived by his devoted daughters, Kimberly McDonald (Michael) and Christie Wyman (Francis). He was the loving grandfather of Adreck McDonald (Katy), and great grandfather to Samuel, Callum, Anylah, and Lee. He was the dear brother of Harris Kennedy (Alice) and the late Cynthia Carter (Raymond). He is also survived by nieces, nephews, extended family, and many dear friends. A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring at Grace Episcopal Church, Newton, his spiritual home for many years. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider sending a donation in Donald’s memory to the Weston METCO Scholarship Fund, as the METCO program was near and dear to his heart from it’s inception in 1966. Weston METCO Scholarship Fund, c/o Will Wrean, Treasurer, 49 Bay State Road, Weston, MA 02493.