Terence Kennedy was known as a proud father of five and a kind, warm, humble and generous man. Through his work as a financial consultant to many non-profit and religious organizations, he was able to show his commitment to service and to his community. Terence was able to spend a great deal of time with his family, including his nine grandchildren, until his sudden death on August 12, 2011, at the age of 73. As a cornea donor, he helped two people regain the gift of sight. Terence was a man who, in the words of his daughter Karen, "lived his life in service to others; through donation, he was able to continue that service to others."

Terence's Story

Terence Kennedy was born in 1938 and grew up in New Jersey. He proudly served in the Army before attending New York University, where he ultimately obtained a Master's in Business Administration. His career brought him to Maryland, where he established a financial consulting firm whose clients were primarily non-profit and religious organizations, a sign of his commitment to service and to his community. He taught economics at Stevenson University for more than 20 years and served as a mentor to many students.

"Dad was an incredible man, a man for whom family always came first," his daughter Karen recalled. "Our dad was a kind, warm, humble, and generous man." Terence had five children and nine grandchildren, "all of whom cherished him," Karen noted.

Terence died suddenly on August 12, 2011, at the age of 73. "In the midst of our grief and loss, we were offered the opportunity to reach out and help others through the gift of eye donation," said Karen. "What an incredible opportunity for us to honor Dad and continue his legacy of generosity and giving. He lived his life in service to others; through donation, he was able to continue that service to others."

Karen went on to say, "We are extremely grateful to the paramedics, nurses, and doctors who did their best to help our Dad that day. We are also grateful to all the family and friends who have been right there by our side to support us. Honoring Dad through donation has helped our family cope with the loss. Knowing two people have had the gift of sight returned to them means so much to us."

Terence's gifts have also inspired others to sign up to be donors. Karen said that the family "is eternally grateful" to the Living Legacy Foundation and Medical Eye Bank of Maryland for their support, respect, and appreciation of Terence's gift of sight.