History & Staff
We have years of experience caring for families, from all walks of life. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession, dedicated to excellence in service, and have the highest integrity. Our staff have helped make us the both the largest and fastest growing funeral company in the entire Town of Essex.
When we sit down with a family, we have just one goal: to create a fitting, memorable and affordable service for their loved one. Together, we explore the wide variety of services and products available, as well as a wealth of creative ideas and suggestions.
Together, we'll design a memorial or funeral service that suits their needs now, and in the future. Families who come to us know that years from now, they will have deep peace-of-mind because in coming to us, they've done their best to honour their loved one.
Our History
Our company has been in operation since 1938 and continues to be the only 100 % locally owned and operated funeral home in Essex North. Even after losing key employees to new competition in 1988, the funeral home managed to 'stay alive in tough times. Stew passed away in 1994 and his daughter Ann took possession of the funeral home. Since his death, Ann along with her husband Geoff completed many major renovations and increased the level of care provided.
Kennedy's slowly became the familiar funeral home in Town once again.
On May 1, 2007, Tony and Jennifer de Ryk purchased the funeral home. Kennedy's is the real local owned funeral home in Essex North and has been that way since 1938.
Learn why more families like you choose us over other funeral providers.
Our Valued Staff
Tony de Ryk, Funeral Director and the Boss
Tony has been a licensed funeral director since 1997. He was a former senior director with Families First Funeral Home in Windsor for over 7 years before venturing on his own journey. Tony will work as many hours as it takes (thanks to a wonderful partner and best friend-Jenn) to see that everything is in place for the families we serve. He is a 3rd degree member of the Knights of Columbus # 3305 Essex and is a member of Holy Name Church in Essex. He was also the star rookie from Kennedy Funeral Home on the Lifeteen Baseball Team. (We might add, he is the only star rookie from Kennedy Funeral Home on the Lifeteen team). Tony prides himself on being a leader within the funeral industry. He and his wife have no business partners and are proud to be the only 100% locally owned funeral home in Essex Centre. Tony claims to be good looking but the word is still out on that!
Mrs. Jennifer de Ryk B.Sc, Tony's Boss & Co-Owner of Kennedy Funeral Home
Jenn is a graduate of the University of Waterloo and a former massage therapist and Kinesiologist with the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance. She loves her new role staying home with her children and helping around the funeral home. Jenn has a passion for baking and her tarts are slowly becoming famous in the Town of Essex. Jenn also is responsible for the beautiful flowers in and around the funeral home. In her spare time, Jenn finds time to volunteer at St. Mary's School and enjoy's lot's of shopping (so her children tell us!)
Mrs. Ann Perry R.N., Funeral Assistant, Prearrangement Advisor & Most Improved
Ann is the daughter of Stewart Kennedy who founded our funeral home in 1938. She is a wonderful person, and is always running around the funeral home trying to 'look after' someone. Ann is a former O.B. Nurse and her natural care and love for people is evident in everything she does. Ann and her husband Geoff have been spending a little more time travelling when the opportunity arises. She was awarded our 'Most Improved Award' for the second year in a row at our annual christmas party. Way to go Ann!
Geoff Perry, Funeral Assistant
Geoff managed the Kennedy Furniture Store in the 1970's. He was a Design Engineer and a Project Administrator, providing new, final assembly plants in Canada, United States of America and South America.
Brian Rivest, Funeral Assistant/Arts & Crafts Director
Brian has had the good fortune to have known both Stewart and Eva Kennedy. He has worked for Weston's (Ready Bake) in Essex for over thirty years. Brian is married to Donna who works for the Royal Bank in Essex. They have a son Nicholas and a daughter Erin. Brian was a co-runner up for the employee of the year 2011 award.
Debra McMillan, Hair Stylist
Deb lives in Essex with her husband John. She has been looking after our hairdressing needs for many years and we love her to pieces.
Jim Rundle, Funeral Assistant/Head of Secruity
Jim is retired from the Windsor Police Service. He is married to Bonnie and has two sons who live in Essex. Jim is slowly moving up the corporate ladder. He has won the 'Employee of the Year' award for the last three years.
Carolyn Barnett, Funeral Assistant/Chief List maker & Music Director
Carolyn was born & raised in the Essex area. She was a graduate of Essex District High School & Windsor Teacher's College. Carolyn taught at Sandwich East Public, Maplewood Public & Gosfield North Central Schools. She is married to Jim & they have two children, Cindy & Doug. Carolyn is a member of the Salvation Army Essex Corps & her church activities include playing piano for Community Care Ministries at Iler Lodge & Country Village Nursing Home.
Sherry Schraeder, Funeral Assistant
Sherry will not allow us the opportunity to place her photo on our website. One day we will surprise her, snap a photo and run!
Dianne Desjardins, Funeral Assistant/The coffee lady
Dianne is one of the friendly people you meet during visitations. She is married to Raymond and resides in Essex.
Mrs. Jane Zelko, Funeral Assistant
Jane is one busy lady. She works two jobs (that we know of) and is very involved with Essex Minor Hockey. She must be a good multi-tasker!
Mr. Terry Jackson, Funeral Assistant
Terry is our new 'rookie' on the team. He is married to Liz Jackson and they are the parents of the real boss, Jenn de Ryk. Terry is also our unofficial handy man. We never use to pay Terry anything for his endeavours, but now that he's an official funeral assistant, we felt he should be renumerated for his time. Welcome Jenn's Dad! Officially! P.S. Tony forgot to mention we don't pay very well!
Miss Emma de Ryk, Funeral Helper
Emma is in the French Immersion program at St. Mary's School in Maidstone. Emma is your typical busy little girl. She is on the Essex Energizer's Competitive skipping team and she enjoy's dancing hip-hop. She 'loves' to fold chairs and help clean up at the funeral home with her mom and dad. Emma absolutely gets her kind disposition from her dad! (In reality, we all know that it comes from her mom).
Connor de Ryk, Supervisor
Connor. What can we say about Connor. He definitely takes after his dad. He has quite the sense of humour for his age! He is attending the new French immersion program at St. Mary's in Maidstone. What a wonderful school! Connor also enjoys helping at the funeral home and likes to be paid in chocolates. At first we thought he enjoyed visiting his dad, but no, it was just the candies!
Howard Hillier
Howard technically does not work for our funeral home as he is a longtime farmer in Essex County. He and his wife Michelle are both neighbours & friends of Tony and Jenn. Howard consistently saves Tony from sheer disaster. Recently he fixed a water filter at the office that Tony installed not once, but twice. Howard enjoys drinking our coffee and eating our gourmet sweets. Each time that Tony breaks something we all say, thank God for Howard!
Minnie D., Funeral Home Pet
Our hairy Bouvier Minnie was properly named by our children Emma and Connor. Minnie is available upon request for a sense of comfort much like what you would see in hospitals and nursing homes. She is wonderful with our children and has a really 'big' heart and would greet you at anytime.
Moose de Ryk, My wife's dog
Moose is our new family member. Jenn really wanted another dog after our friends Mary and Dennis purchased his sister. Moose is a little crazy but he fits in just fine with our family.