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The IAM mourns the loss of Don Kennedy, retired Director of the IAM’s High Performance Work Organization Department (HPWO), who passed away on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at the age of 81.
In 1986, Kennedy joined the IAM Union in Maryland. Ten years later, he was promoted to IAM Special Representative in the High Performance Work Organization (HPWO) Partnerships Department. Dedicated to saving and creating jobs while growing IAM-represented businesses, Kennedy retired as the department’s Director in 2018.
“We extend our deepest condolences to Don’s family and loved ones,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “The IAM appreciates the dedication and leadership Don provided to IAM members in his 32 years with our union. We will celebrate his long and fulfilling life and are thankful for the time we had with him.”
Don’s career with the IAM allowed him to travel the world, visit every Major League Baseball stadium, and nearly every Minor League ballpark — he was an avid baseball fan.
Don was born in Jersey Shore, Pa., one of six children born to Lewis and Dorothy Kennedy. He graduated from Watkins Glen High School in 1963, earned his bachelor’s degree from SUNY Brockport in 1967, and completed his master’s degree at Penn State University in 1969. He and his wife, Cathy, then moved to the University of Michigan, where he pursued his Ph.D. In 1974, Penn State Berks offered him the opportunity to become an instructor in Labor and Industrial Relations. In 1979, the family moved to State College, where he became an associate professor.
Don is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Cathy; his daughter, Sara; his son, Sean; and his grandchildren, Sadie and Seth Yoder.
The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made in his honor to the Willie Mays Scholars program, which provides academic scholarships to underrepresented youth in San Francisco. This program creates a special opportunity for students facing obstacles to succeed in high school, college and beyond.
