AVERILL PARK — Dana Daisy Kennedy, a Broadway dancer who married the novelist William Kennedy in 1957 and was his steadfast supporter, passed away on Friday after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was 88 years old at the time of her death, which occurred at the Kennedy family’s rural house where they had lived for 60 years.
Bill Kennedy, Dana’s husband, spoke of his love and admiration for her, stating that she excelled in everything she pursued. Their love story began with a New Year’s Eve date that culminated in a magical encounter on a Puerto Rican pier, where they watched sharks swimming under an underwater light. Bill proposed on their third date, and a month later they were married.
Rex Smith, a longtime friend of the Kennedys, referred to their 66-year marriage as an unparalleled partnership. He credited Dana for providing unwavering support to her husband’s work, comparing her to a muse who inspired his writing.
Born as Ana Segarra on September 23, 1935, in Ponce, Puerto Rico, Dana moved to New York City as a child and pursued a career in dance. She joined the Robert Joffrey ballet company after high school and later made her Broadway debut in the musical “Me and Juliet.” She also performed in “The Pajama Game” during its two-year run.
Dana met Bill Kennedy during a visit to Puerto Rico and they eventually settled in Averill Park, New York. While Bill focused on his writing career, Dana became a successful entrepreneur, teaching dance and running multiple small businesses. She even established her own ballet studio and clothing stores.
Their son Brendan Kennedy recalls his mother as a vibrant and energetic woman who excelled at everything she did. Dana’s influence reached beyond the family, as she taught ballet at a local school and even inspired others to take up dance during the disco craze of the late ’70s.
Dana’s hard work and dedication in supporting her husband and managing her businesses earned her the nickname “Dana Dynamo.” She maintained a separate life from her husband’s writing career, but they always found ways to come together and support each other.
Maggie Mancinelli-Cahill, a close friend of the couple, believes that Dana played a crucial role in Bill’s success as a writer. She organized his life and provided unwavering support, allowing him to focus on his art. Together, they became a literary power couple, attending theater premieres and events for the New York State Writers Institute, which Bill founded.
Bill’s novels “Ironweed” and “O Albany!” both became highly acclaimed works, and he went on to write screenplays for films such as “The Cotton Club.” The couple attended star-studded premieres for these movies in Albany, with their son Brendan even joining them during the filming of “The Cotton Club.”
Dana’s influence extended beyond her role as a wife and entrepreneur. She instilled a strong work ethic in her children and remained a grounded and involved parent, even during the chaotic times of their lives.
The pride and gratitude Kathy feels as a daughter are evident in her words as she reflects on her parents’ achievements and the support they gave each other.
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