March 27, 1928 – April 9, 2020
Kenneth W. Boyd, longtime resident of Reading, passed away on Thursday, April 9, 2020, at his home with his loving family by his side. He was 92.
Born in Melrose on March 27, 1928, Ken was one of six children of the late Robert P. and Dorothy (nee Preston) Boyd. Ken grew up in Melrose, graduating from Melrose High School in 1947. Ken went on to marry the lovely Joan Woodward on November 10, 1951, at Greenwood Union Church in Wakefield.
Ken was inducted into the United States Army on January 5, 1951. He attained the rank of Sergeant, serving with the 44th Engineer Battalion in Korea. He was extremely proud of his service to his country. Ken was a longtime member of the VFW in Reading.
After returning stateside, Ken and Joan settled in Reading where they raised their family of 4 girls. Ken went to work for Bay State Bindery in Boston. He retired after 52 years as a machine operator. He made numerous lifelong friends.
Family was the most important part of Ken’s life. He was very active in the lives of his daughters and greatly enjoyed the company of his sons-in-law. He was exceptionally proud of the accomplishments of his grandchildren and their spouses and partners, and in recent years, watched with great joy as his great-grandchildren arrived and flourished. Ken could always be found puttering around the house, gardening with Joan, and spending time outside in the sunshine. He was an excellent handyman He was a proud 50-year member of the Wyoming Masonic Lodge in Melrose.
Ken enjoyed trips to Europe, going on the occasional cruise, spending time in Maine, or heading over to Salem, Rockport, or Gloucester for a picnic by the sea with his family. Ken enjoyed doing puzzles to pass the time or watching his favorite team, The New England Patriots. He never missed a game, and while preferring to go to bed at a reasonable hour, was more than willing to burn the midnight oil to cheer on his favorite team.
Ken’s warmth, his devotion to Joan and to his family, and the love he had for everyone will be missed.
Ken was the beloved husband of Joan (Woodward) Boyd with whom he shared 69 years of marriage. Devoted father of Deborah Atlas and her husband Jeffry of Burlington, MA, Lisa Hall, and her husband Wayne of Derry, NH, Nancy Fortini, and her husband Alfred of Stoneham, MA and Jennifer Folan and her husband John of Carna, Ireland. Brother of Mildred Farnsworth of Derry, NH. Cherished grandfather of Daniel and Ryan Hall, Michael and Joel Atlas, Nicole and Andrew Lentine, Patrick, Ailish, and Keira Folan. Loving great-grandfather of Calvin, Cecelia, and Isaac. Ken was predeceased by his brother Donald Boyd, sister Roberta Casper, sister Louise Hollett, and sister Elizabeth “Betty” Russell.
In accordance with current public health regulations, a service to honor Ken’s life will be held at a later date. Interment in Puritan Lawn Memorial Park.
Contributions in Ken’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 510 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN. 38105
