Daniel P. Kennedy, 53, of Crystal River, Florida passed away peacefully surrounded by members of his family on October 1, 2014 under the care of Hospice of Citrus County at Citrus Memorial Hospital after a lengthy illness. Dan lived most of his life in Phillipsburg, New Jersey and as of 2012 resided in Crystal River, Florida with his mother. Born: Dan was born on June 12, 1961 in Easton, Pennsylvania. Dan was the son of Margaret (Hnath) Kennedy and the late Franklin Kennedy. Personal: Dan graduated from Phillipsburg High School in 1979 where he proudly played football for the Stateliners. He then went on to earn his degree in 1981 from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York and began his career as a chef at the Intercontinental Hotel in Manhattan, New York. Subsequently he was named Executive Chef at the Headquarters Plaza Hotel in Morristown, New Jersey where his creativity and culinary skills were widely recognized at the Black Orchid Restaurant. In 1999 Dan obtained his real estate appraisal license and successfully operated Kennedy Appraisals, LLC. Dan's big personality and wonderful sense of humor made all those around him feel good as he was often quoted as saying, "It's all about the laughter". He loved to plan and host backyard barbecues for family and friends. Dan also truly enjoyed fishing the streams of Warren County New Jersey, playing golf, pitching quoits and swimming. Memberships: Dan was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Alpha, New Jersey. Survivors: Dan was the proud father of two children whom he deeply loved, Nicole of Easton, Pennsylvania and Shawn of Phillipsburg, New Jersey. Dan enjoyed the company of three brothers and their families, Joseph and wife Susan of Myrtle Beach, SC, Frank and wife Lynn of Mishawaka, IN and Michael who predeceased him in 2000. Dan was a wonderful uncle to his nieces and nephews, Patrick Kennedy, Jennifer (Kennedy) Todd, Ryan Kennedy, Aiden Kennedy, Christina (Struthers) Tucker and Michael Struthers. Services: Services will be held privately at the convenience of the family. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Citrus County of the Nature Coast, PO Box 641270, Beverly Hills, Florida 34464. Arrangements are under the care and direction of the Strickland Funeral Home, 1901 S.E. Highway 19 Crystal River, Florida 34429.