Tuesday, July 14, 2026

Death of Loretta Kennedy

Loretta Griffin Kennedy, 83, of Charleston, SC, passed in a local hospital on July 8, 2026.

Loretta was born in Pamplico, SC, daughter of the late Raymond Griffin and Hazel Wiggins Griffin. She was the beloved wife of the late John Nathan Kennedy, with whom she shared a lifetime of love and service to their country through the U.S. Department of State.

Surviving are her daughter, Amy Kennedy-Penuel, son-in-law David Penuel; grandsons Avery and Luke; granddaughter Claire; and her brother, Beecher Calvin ("B.C.") Griffin of Pamplico.

She was predeceased by her brother, "Bud" Griffin.

Loretta attended Pamplico High School and graduated from the Carolina College of Commerce in 1961 with a degree in Business Administration. She devoted her professional career to the U.S. Department of State, serving in both Civil Service and Foreign Service assignments over more than three decades. As a Foreign Service Secretary, she served at U.S. Embassies in Vienna, Austria; Harare, Zimbabwe; and Paris, France.

In Washington, Loretta served in the Office of Communications and later in the Executive Office of the Bureau of European Affairs. During the latter assignment, she worked closely with Ambassador Richard C. Holbrooke and Ambassador Christopher Hill in support of diplomatic efforts surrounding the war in the Balkans. She concluded her career as an Office Administrator at the Charleston Financial Service Center, where she served from 1995 until her retirement in 2003.

Loretta was a devoted and loving grandmother who treasured every opportunity to spend time with her grandchildren. She loved working in her garden and also enjoyed sewing. She was also a devoted pet owner to her beloved cat, Honey. Her kindness, quiet strength, elegance, and unwavering devotion to her family will be remembered with gratitude and love by all who knew her.

The relatives and friends of Mrs. Loretta Griffin Kennedy are invited to attend committal services at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the Foreign Service Nationals Emergency Relief Fund in Loretta's memory.

Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., West Ashley Chapel.

Thanks to Gary Bobbitt for furnishing the above obituary!

Wednesday, July 08, 2026

Death of Loretta Kennedy

It is with sadness and deep regret I inform you of the passing of Loretta Kennedy. I received word from Gary Bobbitt this morning of Loretta's passing!

Condolences may be sent to the following:

The Kennedy Family
1 Selkirk Drive
Charleston, SC 29414-7344
Tel: (843) 402-0555
Kennedylg@comcast.net

Saturday, July 04, 2026

Death of Thomas F. Paolozzi

THOMAS FRANKLIN PAOLOZZI, 89 of Ashburn, Virginia passed on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, in Leesburg, VA. Born Saturday, January 30, 1937, in Washington DC, he was the son of the late Thomas Paolozzi and the late Theresa Mirante Paolozzi.

Tom learned to live in the moment as an “army brat”, he co-founded the TKE chapter at Monmouth College during his 2-year stint in higher education, played semi-pro football, and coached the first high school football team of US Embassy boys in Bonn, Germany.

Tom served his country as a Cryptologic (Technician) Seaman in the Navy from 1955 until 1959 and as a Foreign Service Officer in the US Department of State, with escalating responsibilities and titles, stationed in Canberra, Australia; Bonn, Germany; Amman, Jordan; Reykjavík, Iceland; the Sinai Desert; Nairobi, Kenya; Paris, France; and Washington DC from 1963 until 1991.

During his Foreign Service career, Tom was a pivotal, behind-the-scenes leader, during several historic events such as moving a small-country embassy’s entire communications infrastructure to the embassy in Paris during a communications outage early in his career – when cell towers didn’t exist and the single US Government computer was the size of a medium-sized bedroom; the fall of Idi Amin of Uganda in 1979; and the start of the Iran-Iraq War in 1987 that ultimately led to the Gulf War in 1991. He earned several awards for his service and leading the “Cando’ers” of The Diplomatic Telecommunications Service and culminating with the Superior Honor Award for his “unusually exemplary performance” as Chief of Foreign Operations.

Upon retirement, Tom joined the Inspector Core of US Embassies but was pursed by the private sector and ultimately lent his far-reaching influence and estimable work-ethic to Computer Science Corporation (CSC) as a government liaison from 1994 to 2001 – earning several awards including the President’s New Business Award in 2001. Tom picked up golf in his 60s and he also served for the last 20+ years his community, the Belmont Country Club, as a board member and chair of several committees. Finally, Tom loved to drive and was the first to volunteer, day or night, as chauffeur for children, grandchildren, friends, and PGA golf pros.

Tom leaves many to cherish his memory including his beloved wife of 64 years, Bettina (Tina) Paolozzi, sister, Phyllis Paolozzi of Leesburg, VA, sons, Thomas Paolozzi, III (Lisa) of Weston, CT and Guy Paolozzi (Angie) of Vienna, VA, daughters, Linda Jo Mastrangelo (Daniele) of Charlotte, NC and Nicole Paolozzi (Nicholas Bush) of Chagrin Falls, OH; and grandchildren, Jordan Meyer (Kyle), Alexander Paolozzi, Rachael Mastrangelo, Nathan Paolozzi, Lauren Paolozzi, Rebecca Mastrangelo, Elena Paolozzi, and Henry Bush.

The family will receive guests for a visitation on July 10, 2026, from 10:00am to 10:30am at St. Theresa Catholic Church located at 21371 St. Theresa Lane Ashburn, Virginia 20147. The funeral Mass will begin at 10:30am. Interment will immediately follow in Leesburg Union Cemetery, Leesburg, VA. From 1-4pm a Celebration of Life Reception will be held at the Manor House at Belmont Country Club, Ashburn, VA.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Tom’s honor to Wounded Warriors at Wounded Warriors Project. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.loudounfuneralchapel.com.

Friday, May 22, 2026

I recieved word from Joe Rinker that The Late Bill Hempel's wife, Terry, passed yesterday morning at 6:00 a.m.

Wednesday, May 15, 2026

Death of James R. Parrish

James Randall Parrish, born August 10, 1945, in Dallas, Texas, passed away on April 8, 2026.

James was raised in Dallas and graduated from South Oak Cliff High School in 1963. A true patriot, he served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam era, and then went on to continue his education at University of Texas Dallas. His commitment to service didn’t end after the Navy — he continued dedicating his life to this country through a 27-year career with the United States Departmenmt of State. That work took him all over the world, but no matter where he went, he carried his values, his work ethic, and his love for his country with him. He retired with high honors and the respect of those he served alongside.

James was a loving father, a proud grandfather, and someone who deeply valued the people closest to him. He loved being outdoors, whether that meant simply enjoying the fresh air or spending time in nature doing what brought him peace. He was intelligent, generous, and always knew how to have a good time.

He moved back to Texas in 2005 and made his home in Gunter, where he spent his later years surrounded by family and the place he always considered home.

James was preceded in death by his father, Bud J. Parrish; his mother, Estelle Parrish; his son, James Randall Parrish II; and five brothers and sisters.

He is survived by his daughters; Jenna and her husband Britt, Tandy and her husband Raymond. He also leaves behind his grandchildren Jacob, Alli, Kendall, and his great-grandson Luca, all of whom he loved deeply.

He will be remembered for his service, his strength, and for the good times that he had with those he loved.

A graveside service was held at Laurel Land Memorial Park - Dallas, 6300 S. R.L. Thornton Frwy., Dallas, TX 75232, US, on April 14, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 1:30pm.

Wednesday, May 15, 2026