William “B.J.” Kennedy III

William “B.J.” Kennedy III, 79, of North Haven, passed away on October 25, 2025, after a long illness, in Berlin, Connecticut. Born April 19, 1946, in New Haven, he was the son of the late William J. Kennedy Jr. and Amelia Purcell Kennedy.

People knew him as B.J. throughout his school years, as he graduated from North Haven High School in the Class of 1964, where he proudly competed in varsity football, basketball, and track. He earned his degree from Sacred Heart University. A man of curiosity and courage, he served two years in the U.S. Army, stationed in Germany, where he became known as Bill. After his discharge, his spirit of adventure took over—Bill remained in Europe for a year, bicycling from the tip of Italy to the United Kingdom. Later in life, he would ride his bicycle across three-quarters of the circumference of the United States, a testament to his endurance, individualism, and love of exploration.

A lifelong learner with a deep passion for books, history, and the natural world, Bill devoted his career to education and mentorship. He worked with the Audubon Society, Boys Village, and the YMCA of Westport, where he designed and led unforgettable whitewater rafting, rappelling, orienteering, and bicycle expeditions for young people. Many of these trips were creatively themed around the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, with participants camping as they traveled from battlefield to museum, learning history by living it.

For the final 25 years of his life, nothing brought him greater joy than sharing his encyclopedic knowledge of nature and history as an educator, volunteer supervisor, mentor, teacher, and master storyteller for the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk. Generations of Connecticut schoolchildren affectionately knew him as “Mr. Bill.” He visited schools throughout Connecticut and New York, captivating audiences with live presentations that featured hawks or owls perched on his arm, along with large snakes and other fascinating animals. Among his colleagues and fellow volunteers, he earned the title “Mr. Bill the Legend.”

Bill lived a life defined by curiosity, generosity, and a love of teaching—doing what he loved, and inspiring countless others to love it too.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Barbara. He is survived by his two brothers, Edward and Mark of Arizona; three nephews; one niece; and many grandnieces and grandnephews. A private interment will be held at All Saints Cemetery in North Haven.

In accordance with his wishes, donations in his memory may be made to the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, 10 North Water Street, Norwalk, CT 06854.