Obituary of Barbara Hennessy

Barbara Griffin Hennessy, 96, a lifetime resident of Saint Petersburg Florida, passed away on February 23rd 2024. Born in Saint Petersburg, Florida, on August 19th 1927, she was the oldest of 3 children to the late William Misklea and Anna Coletta Paden Griffin. She graduated from St Paul’s Catholic High School. Barbara married another lifetime resident of St Petersburg, Thomas “Tom” J. Hennessy whose family owned company, A.P. Hennessy & Sons, Inc. built city landmarks.

Mrs Hennessy was voted the Best Dressed of St Petersburg in 1960. Additionally she was a lifetime member of the Museum of Fine Arts. She volunteered for many organizations to include the Stuart Society, St Anthony’s Guild and the PTA. She was also a Brownies Leader, Girl Scout Leader and Cub Scout Leader. She was also appointed by Pope John Paul II as a Dame into the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. She was a member of the St Petersburg Yacht Club, a place where for years she loved to do lunch with her friends every Wednesday & Saturday.

She was proceeded in death by her loving husband of 62 years, Tom. Brothers James and William Griffin. As well as her two sons, Thomas and “Ricky” AEneas.

Mrs Hennessy is survived by her daughter, “Missy” Anna Colleen Hennessy-Hennessy and her children Meghan (Sean) Hennessy Wise, Saint Petersburg, Florida, Kevin Hennessy, Saint Petersburg, Florida and Bridget Hennessy, Tallahassee, Florida.

The family suggests memorial contributions to St Petersburg Catholic High School for a scholarship in her honor.