Kennedy, Dennis D.

Dennis D. “Bunky” Kennedy, 80, died at home in Christiansburg, Virginia, on January 8, 2023. He was born near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on June 6, 1942, to Walter Kennedy and Carmella Policari in Sewickley, Pennsylvania.

“Denny” attended high school in Pennsylvania and excelled academically in education….as well as racing his Fastback Mustang down “Snake Hill” in Coraopolis, Pa. In 1964, Denny enlisted into the United States Army and served his country with the 101st Airborne in the Vietnam War. His service and sacrifice there- was a lifetime of forever healing. Denny went on to graduate college with an Associate’s Degree in Arts from Penn State.

He worked from the time he was a young teen- with his first ever job at Isley’s Ice Cream Shop near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He went on to a career with UsAir in Pittsburgh and then onto Lowe’s in Christiansburg, Va.. Although always a worker, he was able to retire a few years ago – although continually keeping busy by still doing home various improvement projects!

Denny loved to travel in his Camero and visit with friends and family in various states- some cold- some warm; some in the mountains and some at the beach.

Denny would also travel high and low to be the first to be there for a loved one without ever being asked. Although quick to give you his help- he was also quick at giving you his unfiltered opinion – also without being asked.

In the last four years, Denny endured many health issues including several short hospitalizations, a heart aneurysm, and a disabling stroke. Denny was fiercely independent and determined to help heal himself without much professional intervention. All he needed was his own wits- with a slight dash of “Google.” He was determined to not only survive those life events- but to tell how he was able to come back “…better than he was. Better. Faster, Stronger.” (As in the “Six Million Dollar Man” of the 70s.) Despite his challenges, working out and biking continued to be a source of betterment for both mind and body for Denny. Writing (and reading a great book) was also very therapeutic for Denny.

Denny was preceded in death by both of his parents; as well as his brother, Terry Skewis and sister, Joyce McClellan. He is survived by his daughters, Kelly Barker and Kiley McCawley; sons, Curtis Diaddigo and Brian Kennedy: as well as several grand-children,and nieces and nephews. In addition, he is survived by his brother, Richard “Dick” Skewis; his two sisters, Mary Beth Forgue and Betty-Lou Hooton; and many special friends including Virginia and Regina. The family is forever in debt to his neighbor, Wayne for all his help in recent years.

The family is being served by Horne Funeral Home and Crematory in Christiansburg, Virginia. In lieu of a traditional service- Denny only wanted to be remembered with a memorable story of his life-with a smile and a good drink.

No flowers please. Denny would have said not to waste your money on such fancy things for him. Instead- if you feel the need to spend your hard made money- please make a donation to your choice of Veteran’s charity. Denny would understand that this damn inflation has made things difficult- so if funds are tight right now- there is no rush. But, it would make him happiest to reach out to someone in your life that you value and let them know it- without hesitation- today.