Shrewsbury – Kenneth Walter Dearden Sr. passed on to eternal rest with his family at his bedside Tuesday, March 7, 2017. He was 89.
He leaves behind his wife of 60 years, Janet (Osterhout) – his dearest friend, companion and devoted caregiver these past many years. Ken is also survived by his four loving children, Debra and her husband Raymond Mantyla of Shrewsbury; Diane and her husband Andrew Todd of Barrington, R.I.; Donna and her husband David Goldstein of Amherst, N.H.; and his son, Kenneth Jr. of Bronxville, N.Y. and his friend, Loreto Mella. The proud patriarch of a close, ever-expanding family, PopPop will be forever missed and always in the hearts of his eight grandchildren, Heather Hansson (husband Eric), Matthew Mantyla (wife Karen), Samantha Goldstein, Drew Todd, Doug Goldstein, Cate Todd, Grace Dearden, and Ella Dearden, as well as three great-grandchildren, Madeleine and Charlotte Hansson and Mateo Mantyla. Ken was predeceased by his brother, Jim, and his sister, Odette (Lamison).
Ken was born Dec. 7, 1927 in Easton, Pa., son of the late Walter and Stella (Dobney) Dearden. Raised and educated in Easton, he graduated from Easton High School, class of 1945, and from Lafayette College in 1950 with a degree in geology. Ken honorably served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War.
Work as a cartographer took him to Washington, D.C. where he met Albany, N.Y. native Janet E. Osterhout, his one true love. Soon after, they married Aug. 25, 1956 at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Albany, N.Y. They relocated to Massachusetts and Ken became a partner with Moore Survey and Mapping Corporation in Shrewsbury, where he worked for 43 years, and they settled to raise their family. For the past 22 years, he and Jan have lived and enjoyed life at Shrewsbury’s Westbrook Crossing community.
Family was first and foremost in Ken’s life and he enjoyed taking part in family celebrations (of which there are many). He was an avid sports enthusiast. He also enjoyed reading historical non-fiction (especially anything related to the Civil War) and never missed a reading of the daily newspaper. He set a profound example of a life well lived for his family and all who knew him. He will be remembered for his quick wit and sense of humor, quiet nature and unselfish ways.
Family and friends will honor and remember Ken’s life by gathering for calling hours Friday, March 10, from 9:30-10:45 a.m., at Heald & Chiampa Funeral Directors ~ The Sumner House, 5 Church Road, On the Common, Shrewsbury Center, after which a service will follow at 11 a.m. Pastor Andrew Heisen will officiate. Burial with military honors will follow in Mountain View Cemetery.
Memorials in his name may be made to Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church, 34 Prospect St., Shrewsbury, MA 01545.
