Remembering The Voice For ‘One Pasadena’: John J. Kennedy’s Legacy Lives On

Were he still alive, the late Pasadena City Councilmember John J. Kennedy would turn 64 today.

Kennedy passed away while in office on July 21, 2022.

Nearly three years after his untimely death while serving on the City Council, Kennedy’s vision of “One Pasadena” — a city addressing the needs of all sectors and all neighborhoods — yet resonates throughout this diverse community.

“While we are all deeply saddened by the sudden loss of our friend and colleague, John Kennedy, we should always remember and celebrate his many accomplishments and contributions to our city and beyond,” said Mayor Victor Gordo shortly after Kennedy’s death.

“John Kennedy loved Pasadena and the people of Pasadena. He worked hard every day to make Pasadena a better place for everyone. He dedicated himself to helping others, and we are all better off because of his efforts. His was a life well-lived.”

Kennedy was a staunch proponent of police oversight, local hiring, affordable housing, and equality. He constantly mentioned the families that had been displaced by Caltrans when discussing the reclamation of the 710 stub.

At one point, Kennedy was the sole supporter of a police oversight commission on the City Council — a position that later gained broader support following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

Kennedy’s death came as a profound shock to the community, occurring shortly after voters had decisively returned him to office with nearly 60% of the vote over first-time candidate Brandon Lamar in the June 2022 election.

“John was a true son of Pasadena,” said former Mayor Rick Cole. “He knew people in every corner and at every level of our diverse community. He was passionate about justice, progress and representation and his voice will long be missed.”

Kennedy’s journey of public service began early. Born and raised in Pasadena, he served as Student Body President at Blair High School before becoming a Student Senator at the University of Southern California, where he earned dual degrees in International Relations and Economics. His academic journey continued at Howard University School of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctor degree.

Notably, Kennedy became the youngest person ever to serve as President of the Pasadena branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, foreshadowing a lifetime dedicated to advocacy and community service.

“He was dedicated to a life of public service! Even with all of his accomplishments,”  said Mayor Emeritus Bill Bogaard. “With his passing, I hope that many others are inspired by his vision of ‘One Pasadena,’ which reminds us to address the needs of all sectors, and all neighborhoods, of Pasadena to create quality of life for all.”