Joseph VP Kennedy

Joseph “Buzz” VP Kennedy, 92, of Hilton Head Island passed away Tuesday April 7th peacefully surrounded by his children.

Buzz was born on July 19, 1933 in Buffalo, New York to James and Victorine Kennedy. He graduated from the Nichols School in 1951 and Niagara University in 1956. He was married to Peggy G. Kennedy for 57 years prior to her passing in 2021. Joseph and Peggy had six children but their 5th child, Erin Kathleen Kennedy, predeceased them both in 2014. Buzz’s surviving children are as follows: Meghan (Michael) Riordan of Plymouth, MI, Timothy (Virginia) Kennedy of Bluffton, SC, Mary “Molly” Kennedy of Hilton Head, SC, Kellie (William) Brunson of Bluffton, SC and Bridget Kate Swaby. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren: Jeremiah, Molly and Fiona Riordan, Quinlan (fiancée Natalie Scribner) and Aidan Kennedy, Torin Kennedy, and Madison, Morgan, Dylan and Connor Swaby. Buzz also had two great grandchildren, Hudson and Owen Kennedy.

Buzz was an accredited Racing Judge and had a 45-year distinguished career in the sport of horse racing working for 28 tracks in five states and Canada. Friends and colleagues benefited from his vast knowledge throughout his illustrious career. His family will remember him most by his Irish gift of storytelling and great sense of humor as well as the love for his family. Buzz was an avid horsemen and trainer as well as a sailor and golfer most of his life and was happy to retire in the south near the water and away from “Buffalo” winters.

A mass and burial will be held Monday April 20th, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Francis by the Sea Catholic Church. Memorial contributions may be made in Buzz’s name to the St. Jude Children’s hospital.