Kenneth Painter

Kenneth "Ken" Painter, age 78, passed away at South Shore Hospital on Tuesday, November 24, 2020. Ken was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, sibling, and uncle and will be greatly missed by his family. He was a loving husband to his wife of 57 years, Susan (Acker) Painter. He was the best father ever to his three children, Laura, Janet, and the late David Painter, as well as a dear father-in-law to Chris and Greg. Ken was a devoted grandfather to his three grandchildren Zac, Alex, and Lorelei. He was a wonderful brother to Kathleen (Painter) Hanlon and the late Philip Painter. Ken was also a dedicated uncle to many nieces and nephews. Ken was predeceased by his parents, Bernard Painter and Doris (Hubbard) Painter. Ken was born in rural Maine, grew up doing farm-work, and even attended a one-room schoolhouse in his early years. His family moved to Massachusetts permanently when he was a teenager. Ken graduated from Norwell High School in 1960. He married his high school sweetheart, Susan, in 1963. Ken was involved in metalwork early on in his career. He was drafted into the US Army in 1966 and proudly served his country for 3 years. He became an officer in the Corps of Engineers and served a year in Vietnam as a 1st lieutenant. He was awarded a Bronze Star for meritorious service. Upon Ken's honorable discharge from the Army, he worked in the sale of construction tools and then moved into construction consulting/engineering. He concluded his professional career upon retirement from the ReStructure Company of Holbrook. An avid gardener, "Farmer Ken" produced delicious vegetables for his family as well as award-winning flowers for the enjoyment of all. He was a friend to the local birds and put out bird feeders for many years. An early proponent of computers, Ken was tech savvy and an original gamer. He set up and ran many websites over the years, and his devotion to computers was responsible for several members of his extended family going into the tech industry. Ken was also a tinkerer, a finder of solutions, and fixer of a great many things. Family and friends could count on him to do everything from finding the quickest route to their destination to putting up a shelf or re-shingling a roof. Ken was very active in the Harlow Family Association, serving as President and helping to put out the organization's newsletter. Ken Painter was an amazing, one-of-kind man who will be truly missed by all those who had the honor to know him. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and shelving -- lots and lots of shelving. Due to the ongoing pandemic there will be no public services. For online condolences please visit Magoun-Biggins.com.