State Senator Edward J. Kennedy, a dedicated Lowell Democrat with a rich legacy of public service spanning over fifty years, has passed away at the age of 74, as confirmed by Senate President Karen Spilka on Thursday. The specific cause of death has not been disclosed.
In a heartfelt memo shared with colleagues and reported by The Boston Globe, Spilka highlighted Kennedy as a “dear friend and colleague,” emphasizing his role as a “passionate advocate” for the residents of the 1st Middlesex District, which encompasses Lowell and surrounding towns.
U.S. Representative Lori Trahan also expressed her condolences, stating that the community mourns “the loss of a true public servant and a steadfast advocate for Lowell.” Trahan praised Kennedy’s lasting impact, noting that his contributions were woven into the “very fabric” of the community—encompassing the neighborhoods he tirelessly worked to enhance, the cultural and educational investments he supported, and the many lives he influenced throughout his extensive career.
A lifelong resident of Lowell, Kennedy began his political career in 1977 at the age of 26 when he secured a seat on the Lowell City Council, where he served four consecutive terms until 1985. He then became a Middlesex County commissioner from 1989 until 1996 before returning to the city council in 2012 and serving as mayor from 2016 to 2017. In 2018, he was elected to the Massachusetts State Senate, representing Lowell and the neighboring towns of Dracut, Dunstable, Pepperell, and Tyngsboro.
At the time of his passing, Kennedy held significant leadership roles, serving as the chairperson of the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets, and as vice chairperson of the Joint Committee on Higher Education.
Kennedy’s commitment to public service and his deep connection to his community will be remembered fondly, as colleagues and constituents honor his contributions toward a better future for Lowell and its residents. His passing marks a notable loss for the community he cherished and actively served.