STANDISH — Arthur R. Kennedy, 88, passed away on Nov. 13, 2011, at his home.

The son of Arthur Kennedy Sr. and Bernice (Currier) Kennedy, he was born in Portland on June 20, 1923, and attended Portland schools, graduating from Portland High School. He resided on Peaks Island, where he met the love of his life, Virginia Norwood.

Arthur, a WWII veteran, was his family’s hero. Sergeant Arthur R. Kennedy served in the Calvary division of the United States Army, where he received a Silver Star of gallantry in action at Tay Tay, Luzon Island, in the Philippines on Feb. 21, 1945. On that day, he was in position with his heavy machine gun on a section of the squadrons’ perimeter when an undetermined number of Japanese solders launched an attack cover of artillery mortar and automatic weapons fire. The barrage set fire to many of the buildings of the town, which were to the rear of our troops, which outlined the troop’s position to the enemy. Sergeant Kennedy opened fire on the Japanese troops who were advancing on his sector and soon forced them to fall back and reorganize. He then jumped out of his foxhole and dragged his heavy machine gun to a new location where he could cover the enemies’ new position and began firing. His gun suddenly jammed, however disregarding the hail of shrapnel and bullets around him, he remained in the exposed position and made the necessary repairs to his gun. He continued to fire until the enemy retreated in disorder and the enemy supporting fire ceased. With his accurate shooting he knocked out two mortars, one machine gun and caused an undetermined amount of enemy casualties. By his extremely courageous and gallant actions, Sergeant Kennedy stopped the enemy attack and secured the perimeter of the squadron. The medals that he received were the victory medal, good conduct, Asiatic Pacific Theater, Philippines Liberation, combat ribbon four bronze, Presidential unit Citation, ribbon with two Bronze Service Stars, and a Silver Star.

After the war, he was a mail carrier on Peaks Island and Portland. Arthur loved horses, fishing, and spending time with his children, and their families.

He was predeceased by his wife Virginia; three children, Arthur, William and Coleen Kennedy; and a granddaughter.

He is survived by two sons, Robert Kennedy of Portland and Raymond Kennedy of Standish; three daughters, Kathleen McKinney of Gorham, Pamela Wood of Casco and Joan Tarbox of Saco; a sister, Ethel Casey of Georgia; eight grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

A graveside service with military honors will be held on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2011, at 10 a.m., at the Maine Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery Chapel, 163 Mt. Vernon Road, Augusta. Arrangements are under the care of Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford Street, Portland. Please visit www.jonesrichandhutchins.com for additional information and to sign Arthur’s guestbook.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Arthur’s memory to: The Windham Humane Society, P.O. Box 10, S. Windham, ME 04062.