Robert Michael Kennedy

Robert Michael Kennedy, of Salem, VA, known for many years on local radio as Rob OBrady, passed away days before his 66th birthday. He was born in Springfield, MA on December 30, 1947. Rob attended radio school in Berlin, NH following graduation from Cathedral High School in Springfield and spent his early career on the air at WHYN in his hometown. He relocated to Roanoke in 1974 when he joined WROV 1240 AM doing the all-night show. Hired, in spite of his voice, listeners loved him and the New Englander quickly became a radio favorite. He eventually moved to the morning-drive show where he spent the majority of his on-air career. Following this he worked in advertising sales for WROV, WSLS-TV, and 105.3 The Bear. Nearing retirement he worked, up until his passing, for Lakeside Kroger as shipping and receiving manager. Throughout his career he was involved in numerous charitable organizations including the Muscular Dystrophy Association; where he co-hosted the annual Labor Day Telethon for the Roanoke-Lynchburg market, March of Dimes, Red Cross, among numerous other causes. Rob-O will be remembered for his love of the New England Patriots, Boston Red Sox, Celtics, and Bruins; pride of his Irish heritage, and for the many traditions he shared with his family and friends. He is predeceased by his mother, Rita M. (Kane) Kennedy; father, Timothy F. Kennedy, and a sister, Sheila Marie Kennedy. He is survived by a daughter, Connor Kennedy; sons, Cory and Kane Kennedy, all of Salem, VA; their mother, Sissy M. Kennedy Vandevander of Weyers Cave, VA; sons, Scott Sweeney (Penny) of Stow, MA, Jeremy Sweeney (Stacey) of Charlotte, NC; their mother, Colette Sweeney of Springfield, MA; grandchildren, Meghan, Caitlin, and Ryan, of Stow, MA, and Cameron of Charlotte, NC; sister, Patricia Walsh (Everett/Wick) of South Hadley, MA; brothers, James Kennedy (Mary Ellen) of Springfield, MA, Timothy Kennedy (Ann) of Agawam, MA, Thomas Kennedy (Margaret) of Longmeadow, MA and Edward Kennedy of South Hadley, MA. Numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends also survive. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Robs memory to your favorite charity or cause. The family will receive friends on Friday, December 27, 2013 from 6 until 8 p.m. at John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem, VA. Memorial services will be conducted on Saturday, December 28, 2013 at 1 p.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Salem. Inurnment will follow in East Hill Cemetery in Salem. A guestbook is available by visiting www.johnmoakey.com. John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home and Crematory, Salem is serving the Kennedy family, (540) 389-5441.