In Loving Memory of Charles T. "Chic" Kennedy Jr.

February 2, 1940 to October 20, 2025

Charles "Chic" Kennedy, longtime baseball coach and mentor to generations of young players in Northampton County, passed away on October 20, 2025, at his home in Forks Township.

Born in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, to the late Charles Sr. and Josephine Kennedy, Chic graduated from Hazleton High School in 1957, where he was a standout baseball player and pitcher. He married his high school sweetheart, Betsy, in 1960. Together, they had two children, Charles and Martie Jo. His lifelong love for baseball led to a remarkable coaching career that left a lasting impact on the Easton area and beyond.

Chic spent decades shaping local baseball, coaching teams in Easton, Forks Township, Roseto, and Hellertown as part of Northampton County (Norco) American Legion Baseball. He managed the Easton American Legion program for four years and later served as Norco League president for an incredible 38 years before retiring in 2014.

At the high school level, Chic led the Palisades Pirates to their first league baseball championship in 48 years in 2005, earning The Express-Times Coach of the Year honors that same season. His achievements were recognized again in 2014, when he was inducted into the Hazleton Area Sports Hall of Fame. Chic was also inducted into the Norco American Legion Hall of Fame and the Pennsylvania American Legion Hall of Fame.

Known for his no-nonsense approach and gruff but fair coaching style, Chic demanded the best from his players—but always had their respect. To the countless athletes who played for him, he was more than a coach; he was a mentor, teacher, and steady presence both on and off the field.

Outside of baseball, Chic worked in the finance industry until his retirement in 1993.

He is survived by his wife, Betsy; son, Charles; daughter, Martie; grandchildren, Teresa and Joseph, sister-in-law, Karen; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Chic was predeceased by his brother, John.

As you travel through life, always remember Chic's words, "Sometimes you eat the bear and sometimes the bear eats you."

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Friday, October 24, 2025 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the Morello Funeral Home, Inc., 3720 Nicholas Street, Easton, PA (Palmer Twp.) A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, 132 S. 5th Street, Easton, PA. Interment will be on Monday, October 27, 2025 at 12:00 PM in Calvary Cemetery, 49 South Hunter Highway, Drums, PA. Memorial contributions may be made in Charles' name to NORCO American Legion Baseball, PO Box 21153, Lehigh Valley, PA 18002-1153. Please indicate "scholarship" in the memo. Online condolences may be offered at www.morellofuneralhome.com