July 22, 2021

Springfield Diocese names new executive director of cemeteries

REGIONAL
Story and photo by Carolee McGrath

SPRINGFIELD – The Diocese of Springfield named Brian Kennedy executive director of the Springfield Diocesan Cemeteries, Inc.

Kennedy has served as superintendent of Springfield Cemeteries for the last six years.

“It is a ministry. It’s something we take pride in,” said Kennedy, who began his career as a seasonal employee in 2001. He said that cemeteries are a sacred space which must be carefully maintained to assist bereaved families in their healing process.

“We all understand this is a place for people to go to remember their loved ones. Some people come once a year, others twice a day, every day,” he said.

Kennedy will oversee the 10 diocesan cemeteries and will advise and assist with the 42 parochial cemeteries, located throughout the four counties of the Springfield Diocese.

He will replace the longtime head of diocesan cemeteries, Joseph Kostek, who passed away in May after a battle with cancer. As superintendent of cemeteries, Kennedy worked under Kostek’s supervision.

“He was a good man, a dedicated family man, a dedicated cemeterian,” Kennedy said of Kostek.

Kennedy holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Westfield State University. He and his wife Alicia are members of St. Patrick Parish in South Hadley.

“We have to look to our faith on this job. I use it to guide my decision-making,” Kennedy said.

More information about diocesan cemeteries can be found at diospringfieldcemeteries.org.