John Carroll Kennedy
OBITUARY
John Carroll Kennedy passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones, on April 19, 2026, in Oceanside, California. He was born on December 21, 1939, in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, to John “Jack” Gregory Kennedy and Marie Carroll. As a young child, John moved to San Diego, California, where his father worked as a Captain on several Tuna Clippers, which were part of the San Diego Tuna Fleet.
John developed a lifelong love of the sea while going with his father on extended tuna voyages, where he gained experience in seamanship and navigation and eventually helped by piloting the vessels. His passion for the water continued through sailing and private charters. He later enrolled in the University of Idaho’s Naval ROTC program and, upon graduation, was commissioned into the United States Navy. John went on to live a life defined by service, dedication, and quiet strength.
His naval career took him across the globe, including multiple deployments to Vietnam during the Vietnam War. He served with distinction aboard several vessels–primarily destroyers–including the USS Southerland, the USS Cowell, the USS Mahan, and aircraft carrier USS Enterprise. From 1971 to 1975, he served as Commanding Officer of Midway Island Naval Base. While there a 12-ft, 1100-lb tiger shark attacked a Navy 13-ft Boston Whaler dive-boat. The shark lost; his jaws became John’s souvenir. Respected for his steady leadership, discipline, and unwavering sense of duty, John left a lasting impression on those who served alongside him. He rose to the rank of Commander before retiring in 1988, on the Arizona Memorial in Hawaii.
Beyond his military career, John was devoted to his family. In La Mesa, California, he helped raise his stepdaughter, Cameo Barta, and his adopted son, Sean Kennedy, with his first wife, Vicky Thompson who preceded him in death. He later shared his life with his wife, Darene Wilde, and their son, John Michael Kennedy, who also preceded him in death.
John’s brother, James Michael Kennedy, died when he was an infant. John is survived by his wife, Darene; his stepdaughter, Cameo Barta; his sister, Karol Kennedy and brother-in-law Shane Williams; his brother, Michael Kennedy and sister-in-law Laura Tanney; and many nieces and nephews.
Throughout his life, John was a devoted NASCAR enthusiast and a loyal fan of the Oakland Raiders. He completed three triathlons and two marathons. John was a Multi-Engine Land and Instrument rated Commercial Pilot, and a Certified Flight Instructor. His greatest joys, however, were spending time with friends and family on his back patio, sharing stories and laughter over a beer or two, working on his hot rods, and of course, watching the Oakland Raiders.
John will be remembered for his steadfast character, his unwavering sense of humor, his commitment to those he loved, and his lifelong service to his country.