Ralph Grant Kennedy's Obituary
Ralph Grant Kennedy III, age 88, passed peacefully at his home on Saturday, July 18, 2026.
Ralph was born on September 20, 1937, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Ruth and Ralph Kennedy. The eldest of five sons, he carried a lifelong devotion to his parents, his brothers, their families, and his many cousins. Family was always at the center of his heart.
He attended Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio, where he met the love of his life, Kathryn “Kathy” Dirrig. They dated for a year and a half and became engaged in June 1959 at Ralph’s graduation. That same day, Ralph—an ROTC student—was sworn into the United States Air Force as a Second Lieutenant. Five months later, on November 14, 1959, Ralph and Kathy were married at St. Dominic’s Church in Shaker Heights, Ohio.
The newlyweds began their life together at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. They were married for 63 years. Kathy passed away on June 7, 2022, and Ralph carried a quiet ache in his heart from that day forward.
Ralph is survived by his four children, eight grandchildren, one brother (three deceased), one sister in law (two deceased), eleven nieces and nephews, and four cousins. Many members of his extended family have traveled from across the country to be here, and the family is deeply grateful for their presence.
In 1979, Ralph and his family moved to Houston, Texas, where they found their forever home and their beloved parish community at Prince of Peace Catholic Church. Ralph and Kathy spent decades singing in the Prince of Peace Choir, traveling with the choir to Rome, Ireland, and Philadelphia. They cherished the friendships formed through the choir, the parish, and their Houston community.
Ralph’s message to all of you would simply be: “I love you.” That is what he would want everyone to remember.
Ralph was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a faithful servant of God. He lived his Catholic faith with joy and consistency. He attended daily Mass, served as a lector, prayed with the morning prayer group, and was an active member of the parish council.
He served as a hospital chaplain for many years, bringing communion and comfort to the sick. If a friend or parishioner was ill, Ralph was always ready to visit and offer communion. He cared for his wife Kathy with unwavering devotion throughout her long illness.
Ralph lived a life of love, service, music, and faith. He will be profoundly missed and forever cherished.
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