Peter Monroe Kennedy

Peter M. Kennedy, of Maggie Valley, NC died on Sunday December 28th, 2025 after a brief illness.

Born in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1933, Peter was the son of Eugene and Carol Kennedy. His older sister Roselyn died in 2022. He is survived by his sister Maura of Boston and his brother Michael of Vermont.

Peter attended Notre Dame for two years before leaving to join the U.S. Navy, where he proudly served as a pilot for 20 years. Peter reached the rank of Lieutenant Commander and was awarded the Air Medal with Bronze Star. His service took him and his family to Japan, Italy, and many places along the East and Gulf coasts. He often said his career in the Navy was “a gift,” not a service that required thanks.

Following his military retirement, Peter returned to school and earned two bachelor degrees and his Masters degree. He went on to work for more than two decades as a mental health counselor specializing in addiction treatment, retiring for a second time at age 72.

An avid golfer and longtime member of the Maggie Valley Golf Club, Peter was a fierce competitor with a deep love of the game. Just days before he died, he proudly shot an 81. He was thrilled to be able to play so well at 92. For many years, he walked the mountain course carrying his own bag, later transitioning to a push cart in his 80s, and finally, with great reluctance, to a riding cart. He often remarked how fortunate he felt to have discovered such a beautiful course and to call the Maggie Valley area home.

Beyond golf, Peter loved traveling, sailing, and history. A lifelong learner, he was steadfast in his devotion to nonfiction, often saying he couldn’t understand why anyone would read something that wasn’t educational.

Peter leaves to celebrate his life, his children: Greg (Janet), Christopher (Debbie), and Susan Kennedy; grandchildren Miles and Amanda; and great-grandsons Dominick and Ulysses; as well as Susie and his many golf buddies at MVGC, and his sweet neighbor and friend Cassondra.

In lieu of flowers, we know Peter would love if memorial contributions were made to PGA REACH Carolinas Foundation (carolinas.pga.com/foundation), or to any Democratic organization or campaign.

The care of Mr. Kennedy has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville