[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 120 (Tuesday, June 30, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E593-E594]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE LIFE OF PATRICK KENNEDY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SUSAN W. BROOKS

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 30, 2020

  Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life 
and legacy of Patrick William Kennedy, a friend to many in the 
Indianapolis community, including me. Pat passed away on April 12, 
2020, after a courageous battle with Covid-19. He will be forever 
missed by his friends, family and colleagues.
  Pat Kennedy was born June 27, 1956, in Indianapolis, Indiana. After 
graduating from Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School, Pat went on to Notre 
Dame University where he graduated in 1978. Upon his graduation from 
Notre Dame, Pat joined the Kennedy family business and ultimately 
became the 4th-generation president of the three Kennedy family 
companies: Kennedy Tank & Manufacturing in Indianapolis; Southern Tank 
in Owensboro, Kentucky; and STAFCO in Columbia City, Indiana. Pat 
worked along side family including his three sons to gain national 
recognition in quality fabrication of steel tanks, pressure vessels, 
and heat exchangers.
  In addition to Pat's success in the business world, he was heavily 
involved in bettering the Indianapolis community. He had a deep passion 
for auto racing that led to him attending fifty-seven consecutive 
Indianapolis 500 races, but spectating was not all that he did. Pat 
served on the board of the 500 Mile Oldtimers Organization, sponsored 
race car drivers, and wrote two books on race trivia, collaborating 
with Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) historian and friend Donald 
Davidson as a technical advisor. Pat was a former director of the 500 
Festival Board and was a director of the 500 Festival Foundation Board 
at the time of his death. Pat was very involved in bettering the 
experience for Hoosiers and fans all around the world when it came to 
his beloved Indy 500.
  The 500 was not the only way Pat served our community. He supported 
numerous organizations including Wheeler Mission, CYO, United Way, 
Friends of Holliday Park, Little Sisters of the Poor, Indianapolis 
Motor Speedway Foundation, and many schools and parishes in the 
Archdiocese of Indianapolis. Pat was a passionate sports fan, rarely 
missing a game played by those in his family, but his interest extended 
to any great competitive event. Pat was a devoted supporter and 
longtime season ticket holder of the Indiana Pacers and the 
Indianapolis Colts.
  Pat was preceded in death by his beloved parents, William and Frances 
Kennedy. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Cheryl Kennedy; 
children Maura (Chris Page), Bill (Ellen), Jimmy (Anna Grace Sterry), 
Patrick, and Joey Gaines; grandchildren Kate, Grace, Luke, and Bo; 
sisters Peggy Shorter (Mark), Kathy Fairchild (Thom), and Ann Bolin 
(Paul); and nieces and nephews Kelly Schneider (Matt), Mickey Shorter 
(Ashley); Kimmie Rumer (Justin) and Kyle Fairchild; and Courtney, 
Kevin, and Brian Bolin.

[[Page E594]]

  On behalf of the Fifth District of Indiana I offer my deepest 
condolences to the family and friends of Pat Kennedy. The Hoosier 
community will greatly miss him and his extensive contributions.

                          ____________________