Explore the Kennedy Family Tree: From John F. Kennedy to Robert Kennedy

As we look back at the 2024 US presidential elections, we’ve decided to cover a family that has been one of most instrumental dynasties in American political history – the Kennedy family tree.  Combining triumph with tragedy, the Kennedys have left a mark on domestic and global policy of the whole 20th century – and are continuing to do so this century as well. 

 

In this article, we’ll explore not only the most popular figures of JFK and Robert Kennedy, but also a wide number of lesser known family members as well as the generation of the Kennedy clan family tree that started it all. 

The First Generation of Kennedys

Joseph Patrick Kennedy Sr.

 

Born on September 6, 1888, in Boston, Massachusetts, Joe was the son of P. J. Kennedy, a successful businessman and influential local politician. After graduating from Harvard in 1912, Joe quickly established himself as a shrewd businessman. He began his career in banking, eventually becoming one of the youngest bank presidents in the country when he took charge of Columbia Trust Bank. Joe made millions by investing in film studios, most notably RKO Pictures, and earned a reputation for being financially savvy and opportunistic. 

 

He was a strong supporter of Franklin D. Roosevelt, contributing generously to Roosevelt’s campaigns. In 1938, Roosevelt appointed Joe as U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom.

 

However, Joe’s isolationist views and his vocal opposition to U.S. involvement in World War II alienated him from Roosevelt and other officials. His public statements, expressing sympathy for appeasement policies and casting doubt on Britain’s chances in the war, led to a strained relationship with the administration. By 1940, he resigned under pressure, though he retained a lot of influence over the political future of the Kennedys family tree.

 

He passed away on November 18, 1969.

Rose Elizabeth Fitzgerald Kennedy

 

Rose Elizabeth Fitzgerald, born on July 22, 1890, was the daughter of John “Honey Fitz” Fitzgerald, a charismatic Boston politician who served as a member of Congress and mayor of Boston. 

 

Rose graduated from the Convent of the Sacred Heart in Manhattan and later attended Blumenthal Academy in Holland, where she gained a refined, cosmopolitan outlook that would set the tone for her family’s lifestyle.

Rose passed away on January 22, 1995, at an impressive age of 104.

Kennedys Family Tree Chart

 

Did you know you could recreate the John F Kennedy family tree? With Treemily, it’s very simple! 

 

All you need is to create a free account, choose your preferred family tree layout, and put in some basic information about the family members. 

 

Don’t be put off by the amount of effort it may take to have all of them listed – it is really quick and simple! And don’t forget to add pictures of each of the family members as well as some facts about them!

 

Once you’re done, you can export it to a stunningly looking PDF or even have it printed on paper of the size of your choosing.

 

Excited to embark on your first genealogical adventure? Feel free to find out more useful guidance in our “how to make a family tree” manual!

The Second Generation: The Children of Joseph and Rose

Joseph P. Kennedy Jr.

 

Joseph Patrick Kennedy Jr., born on July 25, 1915, was the eldest of the Kennedy children. A graduate of Harvard College, where he excelled academically and athletically, Joe also attended the London School of Economics. His father saw him as the first Kennedy to reach the White House, and Joe appeared ready to fulfill that role.

 

During World War II, Joe Jr. served as a Navy pilot, flying dangerous missions over Europe. In 1944, at age 29, he volunteered for a top-secret mission in which he was to pilot a plane filled with explosives, intended for a target in Germany. Tragically, the mission failed when the plane exploded prematurely, killing Joe instantly. His death devastated the family, but it also transferred their hopes and ambitions onto his younger brother, John.

John F. Kennedy

 

John Fitzgerald Kennedy, born on May 29, 1917, was the 35th President of the United States. Known as “Jack” to family and friends, he suffered from numerous health problems, including chronic back pain and Addison’s disease, which he kept largely hidden from the public.

 

Jack attended the prestigious Choate boarding school and later Harvard College, graduating in 1940. His senior thesis, titled Why England Slept, analyzed Britain’s failure to prepare for World War II and became a best-seller. During WWII, he served in the Navy, where he commanded PT-109, a patrol torpedo boat. When his boat was rammed by a Japanese destroyer, Jack’s actions saved his crew and earned him the Navy and Marine Corps Medal.

 

John entered politics in 1946, winning a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives for Massachusetts. In 1952, he won a U.S. Senate seat, defeating longtime incumbent Henry Cabot Lodge Jr. His marriage to Jacqueline Lee Bouvier in 1953 became a cultural moment; the stylish couple quickly became America’s version of royalty.

 

Jack’s 1960 presidential campaign against Richard Nixon was notable for its focus on youth and optimism, as well as the landmark televised debates. As President, he advocated for civil rights, space exploration, and the Peace Corps. His administration, often referred to as “Camelot,” ended abruptly with his assassination in Dallas, Texas, on November 22, 1963.

Rosemary Kennedy

 

Rose Marie “Rosemary” Kennedy, born on September 13, 1918, was the third Kennedy child. Rosemary experienced developmental delays and struggled in social situations, often feeling isolated due to her siblings’ accomplishments. In a bid to help her, Joseph Kennedy authorized a lobotomy for Rosemary when she was 23, a procedure that was poorly understood at the time. The surgery left her permanently incapacitated, and she spent most of her life in care facilities.

Kathleen Agnes Kennedy

 

Kathleen “Kick” Kennedy was born on February 20, 1920. She worked with the American Red Cross in Europe during WWII, where she met and fell in love with William Cavendish, the Marquess of Hartington, heir to the Duke of Devonshire. Despite her family’s initial objections to her marriage to a Protestant, Kathleen married Cavendish in 1944.

 

Tragically, her husband was killed in combat shortly afterward. Kathleen remained in England, continuing her work and maintaining her love for British society. In 1948, while planning a trip to meet her family, Kathleen died in a plane crash in France at age 28.

Eunice Mary Kennedy Shriver

 

Eunice Kennedy Shriver, born on July 10, 1921, was a formidable advocate for people with intellectual disabilities. Inspired by her sister Rosemary’s struggles, Eunice dedicated her life to this cause. In 1962, she founded a summer camp in her backyard to provide children with intellectual disabilities an opportunity to play and compete. This initiative grew into the Special Olympics, which officially began in 1968.

 

Eunice married Robert Sargent Shriver in 1953. Shriver was a key figure in the development of the Peace Corps under JFK’s administration, and together, they became a powerful philanthropic couple. Eunice’s work earned her numerous accolades, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, awarded by President Ronald Reagan in 1984. She passed away on August 11, 2009.

Patricia Kennedy Lawford

Patricia “Pat” Kennedy, born on May 6, 1924, had a deep interest in the arts. She attended the Rosemont College in Pennsylvania and went on to marry British actor Peter Lawford in 1954. Through this marriage, Pat introduced the Kennedys to Hollywood’s glamorous circles, linking them to stars like Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. That said, their marriage was troubled and eventually ended in divorce in 1966.

 

She passed away on September 17, 2006.

Robert F. Kennedy

 

Robert Francis Kennedy, commonly known as Bobby, was born on November 20, 1925. Known for his fierce dedication to justice and civil rights, Bobby’s career began as a lawyer. He graduated from Harvard in 1948 and earned his law degree from the University of Virginia in 1951. After a stint as a counsel to the Senate, Bobby served as the Attorney General under his brother John’s administration.

 

Bobby’s tenure as Attorney General was marked by his commitment to civil rights, often clashing with segregationists in the South. After JFK’s assassination, Bobby was elected to the U.S. Senate from New York in 1964. In 1968, he announced his presidential candidacy, advocating for social justice, anti-war policies, and economic reform.

 

Bobby’s campaign ended tragically when he was assassinated on June 5, 1968, after a campaign event in Los Angeles.

Jean Ann Kennedy Smith

 

Jean Ann Kennedy Smith, born on February 20, 1928, was the eighth of the Kennedy siblings. Jean served as the U.S. Ambassador to Ireland from 1993 to 1998, where she played a role in the Northern Ireland peace process.

 

In 1974, she founded Very Special Arts (VSA), an organization that provides artistic opportunities for people with disabilities. Jean’s work in arts education and her diplomatic efforts earned her recognition as a champion of public service. She passed away on June 17, 2020, at the age of 92.

Edward M. Kennedy

 

Edward “Ted” Kennedy, born on February 22, 1932, was the youngest of the Kennedy siblings and served as a U.S. Senator from Massachusetts for nearly 47 years. Known as the “Lion of the Senate,” Ted’s legislative accomplishments include the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and health care reform. He was one of the most influential senators of his time, advocating for progressive policies on civil rights, health care, and labor rights.

 

Ted faced both political and personal challenges, including the Chappaquiddick incident in 1969, where a car he was driving went off a bridge, leading to the drowning of Mary Jo Kopechne. Though he faced criticism for his actions following the accident, he continued to serve in the Senate until his death from brain cancer on August 25, 2009.

Notable Children of John F. Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy

Caroline Kennedy

 

Caroline Bouvier Kennedy, born on November 27, 1957, is the only surviving child of the  family tree of John F Kennedy. After her father’s assassination, Caroline moved with her mother and brother to New York, where she was raised largely out of the public sphere.

 

Caroline attended Radcliffe College, graduating in 1979, and later earned a law degree from Columbia University. Over the years, she has built a career as an author, attorney, and diplomat. She has co-authored several books on law and civil liberties, including In Our Defense: The Bill of Rights in Action, and has served on numerous charitable and cultural boards, including the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation.

 

In 2008, Caroline expressed interest in filling Hillary Clinton’s vacated Senate seat in New York, though she ultimately withdrew her candidacy. She was later appointed as U.S. Ambassador to Japan by President Barack Obama in 2013, making history as the first female ambassador to Japan.

John F. Kennedy Jr.

 

John Fitzgerald Kennedy Jr. was born on November 25, 1960, just weeks after his father was elected President. 

 

John Jr. graduated from Brown University in 1983 and later earned his law degree from New York University. Despite pressure to follow in his father’s political footsteps, he initially chose a different path, blending his interests in media and public life. In 1995, he founded George magazine, a politically-themed publication that combined serious journalism with celebrity interviews and cultural commentary. 

 

In 1996, John Jr. married Carolyn Bessette, a fashion publicist, in a private ceremony that captured media attention worldwide. Tragically, on July 16, 1999, John Jr., his wife Carolyn, and her sister Lauren Bessette were killed in a plane crash off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard. John Jr. was piloting the plane when it went down in poor visibility.

Notable Children of Robert F. Kennedy

Joseph P. Kennedy II

 

Joseph Patrick Kennedy II, born on September 24, 1952, is the eldest son in the Robert Kennedy family tree. Joe graduated from the University of Massachusetts and went on to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives for Massachusetts’s 8th congressional district from 1987 to 1999. As a congressman, he was a vocal advocate for affordable housing, healthcare, and energy reform.

 

Following his departure from Congress, Joe co-founded Citizens Energy Corporation, a non-profit organization that provides low-cost heating oil to low-income families. Today, he remains active in both the nonprofit and private sectors.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

 

Born on January 17, 1954, Robert Francis Kennedy Jr. is the third of Robert and Ethel Kennedy’s eleven children. Robert Jr. has spent much of his life as an environmental lawyer. 

 

He graduated from Harvard College in 1976, studied law at the University of Virginia, and obtained a master’s degree in environmental law from Pace University. Robert’s work in environmental justice began with the Riverkeeper organization, which advocates for the health of the Hudson River and its ecosystem. He also served as president of the Waterkeeper Alliance, a global network focused on protecting waterways.

Other Notable Family Members

Maria Shriver

 

Maria Owings Shriver, born on November 6, 1955, is the daughter of Eunice Kennedy Shriver and Sargent Shriver. She graduated from Georgetown University and began her career in broadcast journalism, eventually winning multiple Emmy Awards and becoming a key contributor to NBC News.

 

Maria married Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1986 – they had four children together before divorcing in 2011. Throughout her career, Maria has focused on issues related to women’s rights, Alzheimer’s research, and caregiving. She founded the Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement, which raises awareness and funding for gender-based Alzheimer’s research.

Patrick J. Kennedy

 

Patrick Joseph Kennedy II, born on July 14, 1967, is the son of Edward “Ted” Kennedy. Like his father, Patrick chose a path in politics, serving as a U.S. Representative for Rhode Island’s 1st congressional district from 1995 to 2011. 

 

After leaving Congress, Patrick co-founded the Kennedy Forum, an organization dedicated to mental health advocacy and policy reform. 

Kara Kennedy Allen

 

Kara Kennedy Allen, born on February 27, 1960, was the eldest daughter of Edward Kennedy. In 2002, she was diagnosed with lung cancer, but after successful treatment, she became an advocate for cancer awareness. She served on the board of the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate, which educates the public about the legislative process.

 

Tragically, Kara died of a heart attack on September 16, 2011, at the age of 51, after a workout.

Christopher Kennedy

 

Christopher George Kennedy, born on July 4, 1963, is another of Robert F. Kennedy’s children who has built a career in business and public service. Chris graduated from Boston College and Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. He served as the chairman of Joseph P. Kennedy Enterprises, Inc., and played a significant role in the Kennedy family’s business affairs.

 

Chris has also been involved in politics and philanthropy, serving as chairman of the board for the University of Illinois. In 2018, he ran for Governor of Illinois as a Democrat, though he was not elected.

Joseph P. Kennedy III

 

Joseph Patrick Kennedy III, born on October 4, 1980, is the grandson of Robert F. Kennedy and a former U.S. Congressman. Serving as the representative for Massachusetts’s 4th congressional district from 2013 to 2021, Joe quickly gained a reputation as an advocate for social justice, healthcare reform, and LGBTQ rights. A graduate of Stanford University and Harvard Law School, he is one of the younger Kennedys working to advance progressive causes.

 

In 2020, Joe ran for U.S. Senate but was defeated by incumbent Senator Ed Markey in the Democratic primary.

The Kennedy Legacy in American Politics and Society

Today, the president Kennedy family tree remains synonymous with both the ideals and challenges of American public life – they have wholly dedicated themselves to bettering the country, sometimes even at the cost of their own lives.

 

From healthcare reform to mental health advocacy, the Kennedys have used their platform to champion a range of great causes, which will always remain as a huge part of their legacy.

 

Would you like to preserve your family legacy – and have your family tree passed from generation to generation? Treemily can help you! 

 

You can create amazing family charts in our family tree builder in just a couple of steps! 

 

Create a free account, choose your preferred tree layout, and put in the information about your family. Once you’re done, you can export it to a stunningly looking PDF or have it printed on paper of the size of your choosing. Let’s go!

 

 

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