Robert Lee ("Cowboy") Kennedy

Robert Lee Kennedy, also known as ’Bob’ or ’Cowboy,’ 78, of the Town of Niagara, NY, passed from this life on September 15, 2023 at Mercy Hospital of Buffalo.  Born on May 4, 1945 in Houtzdale, PA, he was the son of the late William and Margaret (Kephart) Kennedy. 

While most of his career was spent working in hazardous waste removal, including at Integrated Waste Services, Wizard Method, Hooker Chemical, Sevenson Environmental Services, and National Vacuum Corporation, Robert was also a taxi driver at LaSalle Cab, worked on farms and ranches, and worked more informally as an auto mechanic, a truck driver, and in construction. In recent years, Robert worked as a contractor for friends’ construction companies and as a driver transporting vehicles, and was known to always extend a helping hand.

“Cowboy” to all who knew him, he enjoyed camping, working on cars, riding motorcycles, attending car races in Ransomville, watching Nascar and cheering on the Buffalo Bills, and going to local concerts and festivals. He was a natural fix-it man and builder, and took any broken or vintage project on as a challenge, and enjoyed building custom furniture, personalized keepsakes, ornaments, model cars, and toys for friends, family, and neighbors. He loved showing off his diverse knowledge and curiosity by beating friends while watching “Jeopardy!”. He was a fan of all things country-western: from his cowboy boots and vests to his love of classic and contemporary country music, knowledge of films set in the Old West, and as an avid reader of western novels, especially the works of Louis L’Amour. He was a member of local social clubs, including the Shamrock Club of Niagara Falls, and enjoyed playing euchre at the American Legion La Salle Post on Tuesdays. Cowboy frequently traveled the highways and side-roads of this country with a friend in every town.

Robert is survived by daughters, Laura (Chris) Peskett, Michele Kennedy, Colleen (Jason Harshman) Kennedy, Erin (Jeff Sturdivant) Kennedy, and Rachel (Jean-Luc Binnert) Kennedy; grandchildren, Jacqueline Peskett, Alexandra Peskett, Jaemara Sturdivant, and Justus Sturdivant; youngest sister, Valerie Sue (Patrick) Sevetsky; beloved family friend, Melissa Nuzum and many nieces, nephews, and friends.  Besides his parents, he was predeceased by 10 brothers and sisters, George Thomas (Marsha) Kennedy, Margaret (Sonny) Weinberger, Delores Kennedy, David (Janet) Kennedy, and Randy Kennedy.

All services are private.  Professional arrangements are under the care of the Goodlander family, OTTO REDANZ FUNERAL HOME, 2215 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY (716-297-9007).  Share condolences and memories at GOODLANDERCARES.com 

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