John F. Kennedy is a descendant of a notable family.
John F. Kennedy . A scion of the Kennedy family , he graduated from Harvard University in 1940 before joining the United States Naval Reserve the following year . The Kennedy family is an American family that has been prominent in American politics , public service , and business during the 20th century . At least one Kennedy family member held federal elective office in every year between 1947 and 2011 , and then from 2013 onwards , a span of time comprising more than a quarter of the nation 's existence . Three of the four sons of Joseph , Sr. and Rose Kennedy served as senator , and later ran for the presidency .