Video: 'December 19, 1961 - President John F. Kennedy arrives West Palm Beach to visit his Father'

(Tuesday, December 19, 1961) — Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr., former U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom, and the father of U.S. President John F. Kennedy and U.S. Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, suffered a massive stroke today after playing golf in Palm Beach, Florida.

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The 73-year-old Kennedy fell ill this morning after playing six holes of golf and returned home to rest. About 1:00 p.m. EST, he complained of feeling no better, and an ambulance was summoned to take him to the hospital.

Video: 'Joseph P. Kennedy JFK's father suffers stroke 1961 Newsreel PublicDomainFootage.com'

Not long after, President Kennedy was informed in Washington that his father had suffered the attack. The President and his brother, Robert, traveled to Florida a few hours later, arriving at the hospital at 8:07 p.m. EST.

Kennedy would survive but was left paralyzed on his right side. Thereafter, he suffered from aphasia, which severely affected his ability to speak. He remained mentally alert, regained certain functions with therapy, and began walking with a cane. His speech also showed some improvement.