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Damien J. Kennedy, 53, peacefully joined the Lord in heaven on March 6, 2026.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Norma Kennedy, of 31 years; children Damien Cade (Emily) Kennedy, Seth (Lillian) Kennedy and Isabella Kennedy; grandchildren Ophelia and Grayson; parents Deborah (Alex) Cantrell; siblings Candace Nelson; numerous nephews, nieces, brothers in Christ and dear friends.
Preceded in death by his father Whiley Forest Kennedy; grandparents Harold and Norma Jean Hinshaw.
Damien was born August 11, 1972 in Hammond, Indiana. He was a 1990 graduate of Liberty High School. He went on to start a painting business and finished his working career at the Burns Harbor Cleveland Cliffs Railroad as a proud conductor and engineer. On September 9, 1995 he married the love of his life, Norma Kennedy, and together they shared 31 years of marriage, raising their children in Portage, IN. He was an avid member of several churches where he never fell short of serving the Lord. He was a shining light and always faced life's challenges with a smile on his face. He was a true pillar of strength, and his spirit lives on through us forever.
He enjoyed worshiping the Lord, spending time with his grandbabies and loved ones, comics, Batman, Christmas, writing, his wife’s cooking, watching movies, and riding his Harley on sunny days.
Damien was a loving son, brother, father, grandfather, uncle, nephew, and loving friend who left a lasting imprint on everyone he met. He cherished his title as “Papa Clause”. He will truly be missed by all whose lives he touched.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, March 13, 2026 from 2pm to 5pm at Come Alive Family Church (Previously known as the Rock Church) 3580 W 61st Ave, Hobart, IN 46342. A service to follow from 5pm to 5:30pm.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may made to the Kennedy family go fund me page: https://gofund.me/2a67010f9 or directly to Norma Kennedy.
Hillside Funeral Home and Cremation Center are entrusted for the funeral arrangements. For additional information, please contact Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center Konnie Kuiper - Michael Kuiper-Vass by calling us at 219-838-0800 or visiting us at www.hillsidefhcares.com
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Damien J. Kennedy, please visit our floral store.