Harold Kennedy

Harold “Jiggs” Kennedy, age 93, of Chambersburg, passed away on Wednesday, April 24, 2013 in his home while surrounded by his family. Born June 27, 1919 in Chambersburg, he was a son of the late Lazerus and Sadie Hoover Kennedy. As a young man, Harold or “Jiggs”, as everyone knew him, worked various jobs as a bowling pin setter, shoe shinner, gas station attendant, milkman, then as an apprentice electrician for Horst Electric where he remained until obtaining his Master Electrician License. In 1945 he became a fireman for Letterkenny Army Depot, a position he held for 33 ½ years retiring as Assistant Fire Chief in 1979. During that same time he started an electrical contracting business with his friend, George Pentz, from 1954 – 1964 when he then decided to start another electrical business on his own that he operated until 1984. Not willing to completely retire, Jiggs became an Electrical Inspector for Commonwealth Code Inspection Services, Inc., finally retiring in June of 2012.

Working hard and serving the community was a desire he held throughout his life, serving as an Assistant Chambersburg Borough Fire Chief representing the Friendship Fire Company for twenty eight years and serving on Chambersburg Borough Council for twenty years. He was a member of The Open Door Church, a life member of Friendship Fire Company, Charles Nitterhouse Post 1599 VFW, and the Fireman’s Relief Association.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wives, Gladys Mae Cordell Kennedy and Scherrie May Campbell Kennedy; five brothers, Charles, Clarence, Frank, Seth, and William; a sister, Anna; and a son-in-law Michael C. Rossman, Sr.

He is survived by three daughters, Katherine L. Snyder (husband Scott) of Port St. Lucie, FL, Laura M. Hill (husband Jeffrey) of Warrenton, VA, Patricia A. Rossman (companion Peter Anderson) of Chambersburg; four sons, John W. Kennedy Sr. (wife Shirley) of Chambersburg, Harold P. Kennedy (wife Brenda) of Sacramento, CA, David W. Kennedy (wife Jennifer) of Port Orange, FL, and Robert G. Kennedy (wife Esther) of Ft. Loudon; a brother, Wilbur Kennedy; two sisters, Esther Riley and Margaret Worthington, all of Chambersburg; 17 grandchildren; and 19 great grandchildren. He will be sadly missed by his children

Funeral services will be held at 1 PM on Thursday, May 2, 2013 at The Open Door Church, 600 Miller St. Chambersburg, with Rev. Mike Sanders officiating. Interment with military honors by members of the Charles Nitterhouse Post 1599 VFW Honor Guard will follow in Lincoln Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM on Wednesday, May 1, 2013 at the Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 333 Falling Spring Road, Chambersburg. There will be no viewing prior to the service in the church on Tuesday.


In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lutheran Home Care and Hospice, 2700 Luther Drive, Chambersburg, PA 17202.