Craig Nathaniel Kennedy also known as “Fila” or “Craigie,” was a skilled laborer.

Kennedy died May 29, 2012. He was 41.

He was the youngest child born to Eugene and Jessie Kennedy Sr. on May 6, 1971, in Philadelphia.

Kennedy was educated in the Philadelphia public school system. After graduating from Overbrook High School in 1990, he attended DeVry Institute in New Jersey majoring in computer technology. He also completed a carpentry training program in Philadelphia.

He served in the United States Army and received an honorable discharge from military service. He enjoyed working and using his talented skilled laborer and held various jobs in Philadelphia, Broomall and Lancaster countries.

His family said Kennedy was considered a “gift from God.” At the age of two, he was blessed to survive a serious automobile hit and run accident. He was guided by his parents to attend church and joined the Bethany Missionary Baptist Church. He enjoyed reading the Bible often sharing his favorite scriptures from the books of Psalms (15:1–5; 9:7–11; 106:1) and Proverbs (17:17; 13:20; 2:1–3:35; 4:23).

He had a jovial spirit and deeply loved his children, family, friends and neighbors. He loved to smile and let nothing upset him. He also enjoyed traveling and meeting all types of people. He was such a friendly and likeable man eager to help anyone in need, his family said.

Kennedy was a thin man with a big appetite. He loved to eat, especially southern meals at the homes of relatives in Philly and Siler City, N.C.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Monica and brother, Robert.

Kennedy is survived by his children, Bryant, McKenzie and Ananda Nicole; seven siblings, Eugene Jr., Sharon, Gail, Jennifer, James, Natasha and Yvette; adopted sister, Margie; sister-in-law, Karen; brother-in-law, William; special friend, Lynette; two special life-long buddies, Carlton Tribble and Andre Montier and other relatives and friends.

Services will be held June 11. Viewing will be held at 9 a.m. at Francis Funeral Home, 5701 Whitby Avenue. Services will follow at 10 a.m.