Massachusetts State Senator Edward Kennedy Dies at 74

LOWELL, Massachusetts — State Senator Edward J. Kennedy, a Democrat, died Wednesday night at Lowell General Hospital, confirmed Senate President Karen Spilka on Thursday. He was 74 years old.

The cause of death was not immediately disclosed. Kennedy had a long political career in Lowell, serving on the city council and as mayor before being elected to the state Senate in 2018.

Senate President Spilka described him in an email to colleagues as a “valued member of the Senate and passionate advocate” for residents in the 1st Middlesex District. “Ed was a champion for education, environmental sustainability, cultural development, and, of course, his beloved hometown of Lowell,” she wrote.

U.S. Representative Lori Trahan expressed her sorrow in a statement, calling Kennedy a “son of Lowell.” She emphasized his contributions to the community, saying, “His legacy is written into the very fabric of our community – in the neighborhoods he worked tirelessly to strengthen.”

Kennedy’s political journey began at age 26 when he was first elected to the Lowell City Council in 1977. He served four terms from 1978 until 1985 and returned to the council again in 2012. He served as mayor during the 2016-2017 term.

In addition to his work on the city council, he also held the position of Middlesex County commissioner from 1989 to 1996. In the Senate, he chaired the Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures, and State Assets, and vice-chaired the Joint Committee on Higher Education.

Before his political career, Kennedy worked as a public information officer and legislative liaison for the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services from 1981 to 1987. He also worked as a commercial real estate appraiser until 2019.

Governor Maura Healey, along with other local leaders, extended condolences to Kennedy’s family, including his wife, Susan, and their children. “It’s a big loss, and my heart goes out to his wife and to his family,” Healey stated.

The Lowell community is mourning the loss of a dedicated public servant whose commitment to local development and education left a lasting impact.