Abel Gonzalez Kennedy
May 9, 1960 ~ September 16, 2021
Abel Gonzalez Kennedy was born on May 9, 1960 to Abraham and Maria Kennedy, founders and owners of Austin’s iconic, El Gallo Restaurant. Abel passed away at the home of his youngest daughter, Gina Kennedy Villanueva and son-in-law, Jose Villanueva, on September 16, 2021 after a grueling three year battle with stage 4 colon cancer. At the time of his passing, Abel was surrounded by his family - wife of 39 years, Jill Kennedy, eldest daughter, Sofia Kennedy Prieto and her husband, Paul Prieto. Also present were his grandchildren: Tyler, Annika and Alessandra Villanueva, Cruz and Nico Prieto. A courageous man, a doting husband, father and grandfather, Abel will be forever missed.
Abel’s motto for life was God, Family, then Work. He was a lifelong member of Saint Ignatius Martyr Catholic Church and felt honored to be a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus. He enjoyed seeing everyone at Mass and then again afterward at El Gallo! He was the ultimate host; always smiling and genuinely happy to see everyone! Abel led a life of quiet service, helping directly those in need.
Abel was devastated when he was preceded in death by his twin sister, Conchis Kennedy in October 2000. He is survived by his eldest sister, Emma Lilia Kennedy, her son Theo Courrejolles and his wife Christie, along with their three children. Abel also had many brother and sister in laws on his wife’s side and many wonderful nieces and nephews who admired and loved him.
There are not enough words to describe such an honorable man. A student at St Ignatius Martyr Catholic School, a six year boarder at Texas Military Institute, and a graduate from University of the Incarnate Word, Abel was surrounded in his youth by a multitude of people with whom he would remain friends with for life. His highly successful career in new home sales and the mortgage industry only further expanded that circle of lifelong friends and gave Abel a sure-fire way to do what he did best- help people.
A smiling face, an optimistic personality, and a love for life made Abel the incredible person he was. Rest with the Lord, my love, my dad, my PapAbel, my amigo…until we meet again.
Services will be at St Ignatius Martyr Catholic Church in Austin, Texas on Tuesday September 28, 2021. Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 9:30AM. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00AM. A private family entombment will be at a later date at Assumption Mausoleum.
To honor Abel, please make donations to St Ignatius Martyr Catholic Church Knights of Columbus Council #10131 knights@st-ignatius.org
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Lux Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Jill and the entire Kennedy family are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time and for the days ahead. We will miss Abel.
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
We pray the love of God enfolds you during your journey through grief. With sincerest condolences, Dave and Mary Brouillette
We loved going to El Gallo not only because of the wonderful food but because Abel always greeted us with so much love. He made everyone feel like they were family. I will always remember the last day when El Gallo closed we all took pictures there with Abel. Like his parents he will forever be in our hearts. May he Rest In Peace.
After nearly 50 years of friendship, you were more a brother than friend. I will miss you, Abel.
Sending all of our love, thoughts and prayers to the Kennedy family. Abel was one of a kind and will always be in our hearts.
My deepest sympathy to your family. Abel will be missed. God Bless.
Abel sold us our house in San Antonio in 1997 and was always so friendly and responsive. We always remembered his smile. I just learned of his passing and want to pass our condolences to Abel’s wife, children and family. The Menzils, San Antonio, TX
Just ran across this sad news while surfing on the web. If I am not mistaken, Abel was my Banquet Director at the Radisson Hotel in Augusta, GA. in the mid 90`s. I was the Banquet Captain under Able, Great boss to work for, never any stress at work. Very sorry for your loss. RIP A.K. Barry Jones, Kings Mountain, NC.