Thomas Edward Kennedy, M.D.

Nov 27, 1947 -

May 24, 2025

Dr. Thomas Edward Kennedy, a respected physician and cherished friend, passed away on May 24, 2025, at Aspen Creek Senior Living in Anchorage, Alaska, after bravely battling kidney failure for over eight years.

Born in San Francisco, Calif., on Nov. 27, 1947, Tom grew up in Hollywood, where he graduated from Hollywood High School. His academic journey led him to the University of Southern California (USC), where he earned a degree in mathematics before being accepted into USC's Keck School of Medicine. It was here that Tom found his calling in the medical field, ultimately becoming a Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine in 1976 and the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in 1988.

From 1980 to 1991, Dr. Kennedy practiced Internal Medicine and General Neurology at a large multispecialty clinic in Downey, Calif. In 1992, he transitioned into private practice, focusing on Primary Care Internal Medicine and General Neurology in Santa Barbara. He became known for his expertise in EEGs, EMGs, NCVs, nerve blocks and lumbar punctures, as well as his passion for holistic care—treating the whole patient rather than just the symptoms. Tom's attention to nutrition and vitamin deficiencies set him apart as a physician who truly listened to his patients, always striving to provide personalized, compassionate care.

In 2008, after years of dedicated service, Dr. Kennedy closed his private practice to focus on travel and guest lectures. He was fluent in English, Spanish and Italian, and his passion for helping others extended beyond borders—he provided medical care to underserved communities in Mexico through Aeromedicos. In 2011, he began working as a Locum Tenens physician in California and Arizona before making the move to Alaska in 2013. Dr. Kennedy served at the Alaska Neurology Clinic until his retirement in December 2019.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Tom will be remembered for his warmth, kindness and unmatched bedside manner. He had an extraordinary ability to make his patients feel heard and cared for, a quality that earned him the love and respect of all who knew him. His genuine love for people shone through in every aspect of his life, whether in his work or his personal relationships.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Robert A. Kennedy, M.D., and Alice L. Kennedy. He is survived by his cousins: Julie A. Ayres (Roger) and John C. Russell (Ann), G. Wever (Carolyn) and Mary Thiele.

A private burial and memorial service will take place at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, Calif., at a later date.