Celebration Of Life Set For Westfield Teen Killed In Fall From Catskills Waterfall

WESTFIELD, NJ — A celebration of life for the Westfield High School senior, who died after he fell off a waterfall in the Catskills Wednesday, is scheduled for Sunday, July 31.

Ezra Lee Kennedy, 17 was hiking with a group of relatives and friends when he reached the top of the lower section of the Kaaterskill Falls in the Town of Hunter, Greene County, N.Y. As Kennedy neared the edge, he lost his footing on the wet rock causing him to accidentally slip and fall approximately 50 feet to the rocks below. He was found dead near the base of the falls, according to the preliminary investigation by police.

Obituary posted by Dooley Colonial Funeral Home in Westfield:

Ezra Lee Kennedy was born on September 5, 1998, in Plainfield, to proudest parents, Kevin Kennedy and Donna Lynn Kennedy, of Westfield.

Ezra walked into eternal life on Wednesday, July 27, 2016 at the age of 17.

Ezra was a rising senior at Westfield High School.

From middle to high school, Ezra played the game he so loved, Ultimate Frisbee, for Westfield High School and Delaware Valley Youth League. He had earned his black belt in Tae Kwon Do, practiced Mixed Martial Arts, and Wrestled for Edison Intermediate School.

He was an avid gamer, and loved playing games online with his friends, and driving his friends in his jeep. One of his greatest joys was spending memorable Kennedy summer vacations on the beach and the lake.
He was a fun, witty, amazing, supportive, humble and fiercely loyal friend.

Ezra was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Robert Kennedy of Parlin, maternal step-grandfather Domenick Terrigno of Ruckersville.

Ezra is survived by his loving parents, Kevin and Donna Kennedy of Westfield; his brother, Wesley Zane Kennedy; grandmother Maureen Kennedy of Parlin; grandfather Gregory Elliott and friend Leah Oury of Pidgeon Forge, TN; grandmother Julia Terrigno of Ruckersville, VA; Aunts and Uncles: John and Lorraine Kennedy of Simpsonville, SC, Scott Elliott and friend Luanne Cossaboon of Millville, Richard and Susan Kennedy of Basking Ridge, Robert Kennedy of Old Bridge, and Matthew and Karen Kennedy of Jackson, and Lisa Elliott of Millville; and cousins Shannon Harris and husband Lorenzo, Brandon Elliott and friend Christina Ushler,Sarah, Matt, Keelan, Emma, Liam, Jane, and Krya Kennedy; Scott, Cassidy and Brandi Elliott, Hunter Harris, and Toby Elliott, as well as innumerable friends.

A celebration of Ezra's life will be held on Sunday, July 31, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Galloping Hill Country Club, 3 Golf Drive, Kenilworth, NJ.

All are welcome. Casual dress. Please feel more than free to come in Ultimate wear, as Ezra would really love that.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Westfield Ultimate via paypal to Kelly Feltman at kacj519@gmail.com. Please note: “In honor of Ezra Kennedy”.

His goal in life was to help others in any way he could, and these donations will help.

(Image via Shutterstock)

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