We have been honored to call these men our Brothers. The condolences of Theta Chi’s extended worldwide family are offered to the family and friends of our deceased brothers.

It is with great sadness that we report the passing of:

Robert C. Kennedy ‘50 - June 2, 2023
Charles M. Avampato ‘63 - April 21, 2023

Robert Clair Kennedy, “Bob”, passed away peacefully on June 2, 2023, in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. Born on May 23, 1924, in Franklin, Pennsylvania, Bob was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, friend, and more.

Bob is predeceased by his spouse, Doris Jean (nee Williams) Kennedy, and is survived by his children: Clinton R. Kennedy (Jacqueline), Kathy K. Massimo, Gregg A. Kennedy (Glynis), Bruce W. Kennedy, and Janet K. Stretch (Eric). He was also the proud grandfather of nine grandchildren: Sarah Kennedy (Chance Keen), Laura Kennedy (Mark Dick), Michael Massimo (Monica), Angela Garvey (Paul), Andrew Kennedy (Jennifer), Matthew Kennedy (Johnna), Caitlin Rawlings (Ted), Pablo Robert Stretch, and Angel John Stretch. Bob was also a great-grandfather to Ryan Garvey, Allyson Garvey, Jack Garvey, Connor Kennedy, and Kevin Kennedy, Chance Keen (aka Second Chance) and Jace Keen.

A 1942 graduate of Upper Darby High School, Bob went on to earn his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Penn State University in 1950. He dedicated 35 years to Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO) Chemical in Newtown Square as the Manager of Design Services, retiring in 1985. As a professional, Bob was known for his thoughtfulness, diligence, and selflessness by his colleagues.

Bob's lifelong commitment to service began when he enlisted in the Army Air Force in 1942. He trained and flew as a Flight Engineer on B-24 and B-32 Bombers, and was honorably discharged as Sargeant in 1946. Bob's dedication to his community was evident through his involvement in various organizations, including the American Social Mechanical Engineers, President of the ARCO Retirees Club, and the American Legion, Broomall Post 807. Bob was an active member of Marple Presbyterian Church, and devoted countless hours to supporting local youth organizations, such as the Broomall Little League, the Cub Scout Committee, and the Marple Jr. Tigers.

In his free time, Bob enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, as well as pursuing his interests in golf, bowling, gardening, painting, carving monkeys out of nectarine pits, traveling the coast, genealogy, making up his own words when playing Scattegories, and feeding Fluffy, the dog, cheeseburgers for lunch and eggs for breakfast. Bob apparently had the secret to longevity – walking, sardines, and the poem Desiderata. …. Bob had 99 honorable years, and Fluffy lived to 21….Bob obviously was doing something right.

Bob’s gentle nature, thoughtfulness, selflessness, humbleness, and numerous acts of kindness had a lasting impact on all those who knew him. Bob leaves a legacy of honor, integrity, and commitment for which his memory will surely live on in the hearts of the many lives he touched. Bob will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and community.

Family and friends will gather from 12:30 to 1pm on Friday, June 16th, 2023 in Logan Videon Funeral Home. A Celebration of Bob's Life will follow in the funeral home at 1pm. Burial is private.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert Clair Kennedy please visit our Tribute Store.

Charles M. Avampato ‘63 - LaVei Portrait

Our beloved father, Charles M. Avampato died on April 21, 2023, age 84, at his Jacksonville, Florida home. He was born on January 27, 1939, in Derry, Pennsylvania to Calogero and Margaret Avampato.
Chuck was a graduate of The Pennsylvania State University where he met his future wife, the former Judith E. Mraz of Erie, Pennsylvania. As a Certified Public Accountant, he worked for Price Waterhouse & Co. for eight years where he spent much of his work time in West Virginia.

Chuck and his wife Judy, along with their two first born children, moved to Charleston in 1971. He became Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of the now dissolved Clay Communications, Inc. After the company sold its media holdings in 1986, Chuck became the President of the then newly formed Clay Foundation.

Under Chuck's leadership, The Clay Foundation donated more than $100 million dollars to statewide and regional groups. The foundation's largest donation was in support of the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences where Chuck served as a director and officer. The Avampato Discovery Museum at the Clay Center was named in his honor.

Chuck is survived by his daughters, Lena Avampato of Cincinnati, OH and Denise Avampato of Charleston, WV, and his son Mark and his wife Lori Avampato of Jacksonville Beach, FL. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 51 years, Judy Avampato. Chuck was a devoted family man and took great pride in his children and their accomplishments. He enjoyed traveling the world with Judy, family, and friends.

A celebration of life for both Chuck and Judy Avampato will be held at the Clay Center in the near future.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be made in their honor to The Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences.

Chapter Eternal - Robert Kennedy '50 & Charles Avampato '63