Owner and War Hero Thomas Kennedy Dead at 86

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Thomas Kennedy, a World War II hero and long-time Thoroughbred owner, died at his home in Mt. Washington, Md., Jan. 6. He was 86.

Kennedy, a native of Kingsville, Md., raced horses throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, primarily on the Delaware/Maryland circuit, for nearly five decades. His first winner was Aldie Miss, who broke her maiden at Pimlico Race Course in 1960. His stakes winners include For Love And Glory and Da's Baby.

Kennedy was awarded the Purple Heart for heroism while serving in the United States Marine Corps in the South Pacific during World War II. In 1943 he lost his eyesight in a Japanese hand-grenade explosion.

As a successful businessman, Kennedy in 1947 founded Dawn’s Office Supply Company, named after his seeing-eye dog, in Baltimore, Md. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Bette Kennedy; two sons, Thomas and Kim Kennedy; and two grandchildren.

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