Kurt David Kennedy

Kurt David Kennedy of Lafayette, a former Lab scientist, died April 10. He was 81.

The son of inventor Harry E. Kennedy and Eileen Kennedy, he was born March 26, 1930 in Berkeley and grew up there.

Kennedy received his bachelor of science degree in chemistry and his master’s and doctorate in metallurgy from UC Berkeley.

He was a popular teacher and mentor to many graduate students and technical staff while there.

In 1969, Kennedy began his career as head of research and development at Temescal Corp. in Berkeley and soon became vice president for technology for the company.

His outstanding career then led him to staff scientist positions, first at LLNL, and then at Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory from where he retired.

Kennedy is survived by his wife of 42 years, Jane Kennedy of Lafayette; his first wife, Vivian Kennedy of Concord; his daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Joe Pratt of Kensington; grandchildren Vannesa Pratt of San Francisco and Kyle Pratt of Kensington. In addition, he is survived by his nieces and nephew, Kathleen Kennedy of Philadelphia, Douglas Kennedy of Berkeley and Annalisa Deering of Carmel.