Peter Donald “Pete” Kennedy (1928-2017)
Pete graduated from the University of Cincinnati in June of 1954 with a degree in mechanical engineering and an ROTC rank of 2nd lieutenant.
His military service began with a position in the flight test program at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. In 1959 he accepted a position at Edwards AFB.
Pete’s career at Edwards extended from 1959-1992, originally arriving at Edwards as an employee of Aeronautical Systems Division (ASD), Wright-Patterson AFB. By 1963 he was out of the Air Force and was a civilian flight test engineer. He rose through the ranks of the systems test organization, finally serving as Technical Director, 6510 Test Wing.
His distinguished career included the honor of representing the U.S.A. in the International Society of Flight Test Engineers’ 1983 Conference in Rome, Italy, receiving the 1981 AFFTC Outstanding Civilian of the Year award, and receiving the Department of the Air Force Award for Meritorious Civilian Service in 1989. At his retirement dinner, a USAF colonel remarked, “Pete Kennedy’s fingerprints are over every square inch of Edwards AFB.” He was highly respected for his hard work, expertise, and commitment to excellence.
Pete was actively selling real estate at age 85 when cancer forced him to retire. He was a family man, a gentleman, and a man of great integrity. He was survived by his wife Margaret, six children, 15 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.