William F. Kennedy
November 16, 1952 – March 14, 2023
William F. Kennedy, 70, died on March 14, 2023, at the VA Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia.
Bill was a loving husband, father, brother, and friend to so many during his too-short lifetime.
Bill is survived by his loving wife, Gina Kennedy of Richmond; his sons, Michael “Joe” Kennedy of Pueblo, CO, and Liam Kennedy of Denver, CO. He is also survived by his brothers, George “Mike” Kennedy and Joseph Kennedy of Tucson, AZ; and his sister, Anne Gobron of Dracut, MA. He was born in Massachusetts, raised in Tucson, and was the son of the late George and Louise Kennedy.
Bill was a U.S. Army veteran, having served in Vietnam. After the war, he traveled around the country and landed in Virginia where he took his first job in a record store. After several decades managing stores, he and his wife, Gina, opened their own record store BK Music in 2001. They worked together every day until retiring in 2019. He loved music, doing CrossFit, traveling to see his sons, going for walks with his dogs, reading and just enjoying time relaxing with his family. Bill made such a huge impact on so many lives with his positive outlook, sense of humor, and kindness. The many friends he made along the way in the music industry, at CrossFit, neighbors, and the wonderful customers and employees of BK Music were like family to him.
A memorial celebration will be planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or animal rescue organization of your choice.
I’m So Sorry to hear this!! It seems like yesterday when Bill and his family and siblings came down for a reunion. What a beautiful memory I have of catching up with him about the “good” old day’s. I grew up with Bill and he was like a big brother to me. We would sit in his parents house and he’d play the guitar for hrs. He always made me laugh and we had such great memories. My parents and Bills where great friends. So we where almost neighbors so to say. When I lost my fiancé he immediately called me and said come up for the Summer and he and his roommates treated me like their sister, he was always their for me, my brother, my friend. I got to meet Bills Beautiful family and for that I’m so very grateful. He was so excited about retiring and traveling..Well he finally is and to a far better place.,,, He will forever be part of my heart, as we where the best of buddies and always there for each other. May God Bless his precious wife and sons at this most difficult time!! Bill was a “Treasure Beyond Measure”.,,,,and I will miss him forever.
Bill was a Great Friend to me I will sure miss him RIP Brother
Bill was a wonderful person. He really took time to learn about everyone he knew and became a good soul to us all. I can not express how important he was to me. He made me a better person.
We are so incredibly sorry to hear this news. We always enjoyed conversations with Bill. He was a bright light in any room. Prayers to you, Liam, Joe, and the entire family. We are here if you need anything.
I think we all remember Bill as the sweet, even-tempered, amazing guy that he was. The impact (all positive) that he had on my life is immeasurable. I got my life together working at BK Music. I met my wife at BK Music. I met so many of my friends at BK Music.
I could count at least a hundred times Bill could have and maybe should have fired me, but he didn’t. He saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself, and he made me a better person.
And I think we all know that Bill was only the man he was because he had Gina beside him. My heart and thoughts are with her and her family in this devastating time.
Rock on in peace, BK, rock on.
What a great guy, he was in all of our lives growing up. His Mom had the best since of humor, with her Boston accent. We were at their house a lot! Great memories! And he was such a great friend to my sister! In our hearts always.
Extending condolences and prayers for strength and comfort to the family. I’ve known Bill for more than 40 years through my associations with him in the music retail industry.
Bill Kennedy was a good kind man. I meet him long before I started working in music retail. I had a roommate, who worked at Peaches Records and Tapes in the mid-80’s. About a decade later I found myself working at the Peaches Midlothian store. Bill was the regional director and was at the Broad Street location.
I got to know Bill better those years (1996-2000). My respect grew for him during that time. When the Midlothian store closed in February of 2001, Bill wrote me a wonderful recommendation later, that I still cherish.
When BK Music opened, I always made a point at shopping at his store. He always made me feel welcome and at home. I will always miss our chats.
Safe travels Bill.
My thoughts and prayers and condolences are with Gina, Liam, and all of Bill’s family & friends. Bill Kennedy was a great, great man, and a mentor to me when I was in Richmond. I will never forget the first time I met Bill and all of our conversations – and not all just about music either. I am so sad to hear this news, but I know Bill made me a better person with his presence and conversations, and I will forever be thankful and grateful to Bill and his family for that. You’ll forever be in my thoughts Bill – rest in peace.
Billy not a day goes by that I recall your Nick naming me ChopChop back in the day at Saint Joseph’s in Tucson Arizona. I always looked up to you since I was only a first grader and you were an eight grader. You were kind of a big brother protector on campus. Thanks for the memories Bill love in Christ ChopChop/Rick Salgado
Bill was my best High School guy friend. He was sweet on my sister Nancy and they used to sit on opposite ends of the sofa at our house and talk for hours. Bill & I graduated in the class of 1970 Rincon High School Tucson Arizona 1970 and we walked together for the Graduation March. His beautiful freckled face always wore a big smile and most often wore a freshly pressed solid colored button down shirt. Blue is the one I remember the most. He made my high school years happier with his positive outlook on everything! I had the pleasure a few years back of chatting with him on Facebook chat. He shared with me about his lovely wife and his sons. and most of all his music store! He was eager to hear about my life, sisters, parents ,my children & grandchildren. I sold homes, he sold music. I am all teary writing this because it seems like yesterday that we were at play doing something. I have lost many loved ones but knowing that Bill no longer graces this world leaves me filled with memories and heartbroken. A Hui Ho my old friend , I know that you are playing music in Heaven
Jean Steudler Mabry