Zachary "Zak" A. Kennedy

Zachary A. Kennedy (Zak) passed away unexpectedly on May 1, 2025, at the age of 45. Born in Philadelphia, he lived in Pennsylvania, New York City, and most recently, Garnerville, NY.    

Zak is survived by his loving partner, Marcia Snyder, his stepfather Thomas Hanson, his brothers Josh Hanson (Andrea) and Jesse Hanson (Candace), his sister Anita Fager, his Chachi Donna Repko and uncle Martin Repko, his cousin Ruth Ann O’Connor (Matthew), his niece Zoey Hanson and nephew Lucas O’Connor, extended family, his beloved cats Phil and Blanket, and dog Bruiser.  Zak is predeceased by his adoptive parents Mary Lou and Donald Kennedy, his birth Mother Christine Hanson, and many other beloved pets.  

Zak cherished his family, his friends, and every adventure that came his way.  If you were loved by Zak, you knew immediately and felt drawn into his world. Zak shared his passions freely with everyone he met. His curiosity, warmth, and adventurous spirit left an indelible mark on those who had the privilege of knowing him.  

Zak’s genuine kindness and generosity was ever unique and unmatched.  He had many passions, including electronic music, all animals, exploring abandoned buildings, photography, and anything outdoors… his passions knew no bounds. Whether hiking in the Hudson Valley, Upstate New York, or his beloved Adirondacks, Zak felt most at peace absorbing nature which would include spontaneous camping and kayaking trips. Anything he loved he would share with his friends, many of which were inspired to gear up and join him in the activities he loved.  At a moment’s notice, he would jump in the car to drive hours in the middle of the night to find the best spots to see meteor showers, the northern lights, and almost any time there was a full moon and a clear sky.

Zak found beauty and joy in exploration. Zak had an innate talent for cars, especially Volkswagen, Audi, and most recently Land Rover. Zak would immerse himself in gathering knowledge about what he loved and would immediately share with others.  He loved to help people, and anyone who met him would say immediately how helpful he was and truly kind.  Zak loved off-roading all over New York and New Jersey, and most recently won 1st place at The R.O.V.E.R.S. Club Trials at Robesonia, Pennsylvania, which he was especially proud of.  Zak embraced spontaneity; he was always ready at a moment’s notice for a road trip, a midnight swim at a swimming hole, or a search for secluded stone caves.  

Zak is already missed beyond measure and he will always be loved. His friends and family will carry on his memory forever.    

Dearest Zak, we love you so very much. Thank you for being the absolute most in everything, in the best possible way. See you floating in space later….  

Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2025 from 1pm-5pm at T.J. McGowan Sons Funeral Home in Garnerville, NY.

To honor Zak’s love for animals, the family kindly requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations are made to the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) at www.ifaw.org/?form=donate.  Please be sure to select ‘Dedicate this donation’ and include Zak’s name.