Benjamin KENNEDY Abell, Jr., 93 of Leonardtown, MD, passed away peacefully on February14, 2022 at Georgetown University Hospital with his loving family by his side. Born October 1,1928 in Sparks, MD, he was the son of the late B. Kennedy and Adelaide Maria (Lynch) Abell. He was the youngest of five children, and was preceded in death by his siblings Enoch Booth (EB) Abell, Mary Jane Scully, Robert Peery Abell, and Thomas Lynch Abell.

Kennedy married the love of his life, Elizabeth Ann Lacey on February 14, 1953. He was devoted to Ann and has missed her every single day since her departure on January 19th, 2005. Their love story began with dances in Medley's Neck and spanned over five wonderful decades. Those fortunate enough to spend a moment with Kennedy know their love story did not end there. Even in her absence, not a moment passed where his treasured Ann was not in his thoughts. Saddened as his family was to say goodbye, they find comfort in knowing that he was reunited with his beloved Ann on their 69th Wedding Anniversary - a long awaited dance in their Sentimental Journey.

He is survived by his children, B.K. Abell, III (Ida) of Mechanicsville, MD, Cindy Worcester (Jeff) of LaPlata, MD, and Jenny Lynn McCabe (Pete) of Ashburn, VA. He was the proud grandfather of Paul Abell (Aimee), Merissa Abell, Gregory Worcester (Ashley), Kevin Worcester (Morgan), Jessica Mann (Cameron), Megan Makoutz (Jason), Kelly Spencer (Auguste), and Molly McCabe. He was also blessed to have welcomed five great-grandchildren to his family (Charlie, Jack, Blaise, Nathaniel and Emerson).

Kennedy was a lifelong resident of Leonardtown, MD. He graduated from Margaret Brent High School followed by an additional year of business classes at St. Mary's Academy. He began his career in banking at the County Trust Bank (Maryland National Bank) in 1947, moved to Tri-County Savings and Loan (Community Bank of the Chesapeake) in 1986, and retired at the age of 70.

Kennedy was a committed pillar to the Leonardtown Community, and demonstrated it through his devoted participation in various service organizations. He joined the Leonardtown Volunteer Fire Department (LVFD) in 1944 at the age of 16, and was a member for the past 77 years with 45 years of active service. During his time with the fire department, he held every leadership and operational position within the organization, including Chief LVFD (1955-1956) and President LVFD (1968-1976). Additionally, Kennedy served as the Vice President (1958-1959) and President (1960) of the Southern Maryland Volunteer Firemen's Association (SMVFA). His devotion and leadership towards the firefighting community led him to be inducted into the SMVFA Hall of Fame in 1987. The LVFD unanimously voted to dedicate their Squad 1 to him for his commitment and service to the Department and the community it serves in 2020.

Kennedy served in the Maryland National Guard for 3 years (1953-1956) rising to a Platoon Sergeant. He became a member of the St. Mary's County School Board in 1962 and served two 5-year terms. He was a Monarch Member of the Leonardtown Lions Club, where he also earned the Melvin Jones Fellow and 2008 Lion of the Year awards. He actively participated in the St. Mary's County Historical Society, and he was considered an invaluable resource to many because of his intimate knowledge of the history of Leonardtown and the county.

Kennedy never met a stranger in this community and was always happiest in a room full of people. As devoted to Leonardtown as Kennedy was, he was first and foremost the family patriarch. There wasn't a single occasion involving his family that he would miss. Whether it was family dinners, birthdays, graduations, weddings, reunions, sidelines of sporting events, or an installation of family members, Kennedy was first to show up to support his family, children and grandchildren. He was a doting husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He adored and cherished each and every moment surrounded by family and friends. The Abell family thanks everyone who shared special moments in his life. He loved all of you so very much and cherished his time with each and every one of you.

The family will receive friends for Kennedy's Life Celebration on Friday, February 25th, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, 22800 Washington Street, Leonardtown, MD 20650. A Lion's Club presentation and Firemen's Prayers will be at 11:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. by Reverend David Beaubien and Reverend Rory Conley. Interment will follow immediately at the St. Aloysius Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers will be Gregory Worcester, Paul Abell, Kevin Worcester, Cameron Mann, Jason Makoutz and Auguste Spencer. Honorary pallbearers will be the Leonardtown Volunteer Fire Department and the Lions Club Members.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Leonardtown Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 50, Leonardtown, MD 20650 or the Lions Club P.O. Box 363, Leonardtown, 20650.