KENNETH JOSEPH BECK

FUNERAL HOME

Levesque Funeral Home

163 Lafayette St

Salem, Massachusetts

KENNETH BECK Obituary

Name: Visitation for KENNETH JOSEPH BECK
Start: 2024-08-09T20:00:00.000Z
End: 2024-08-09T23:00:00.000Z
Location: Levesque Funeral Home

BECK, Kenneth J. Age 80, formerly of Boston, passed away on Monday, August 5, 2024, under the loving care of Phillips Manor Nursing Home in Lynn, MA. He was the beloved son of the late Joseph and Cecile (Guy) Beck. Ken was born in Salem, MA and dedicated over 60 years to his craft as a painter. A distinguished artist, he was a prominent figure in the Boston art scene for decades, earning the admiration and respect of curators, critics, collectors, artists and students alike. He shared his passion and expertise through teaching at Lesley University College of Art and Design, formerly The Art Institute of Boston, for 25 years. Beyond his artistic accomplishments, Ken was known for his intellectual curiosity and vibrant personality. He held a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Goddard College, a Doctorate in Anthropology from Union College and a Master of Fine Arts from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University. He furthered his studies at the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture and the Cape School of Art in Provincetown, MA. Ken served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Philippines, where he taught English to children and adults. He also worked for the consulting firm Arthur D. Little in Cambridge, MA, where he traveled across the United States, consulting on organizational behavior for numerous Fortune 500 companies. Ken's love for travel took him across Canada, down the Nile River in Egypt and to China, always finding time to paint during his journeys. His artwork is cherished by many individual and corporate collectors throughout the United States and Europe. Ken is survived by his loving sisters, Karen Kapsourakis and her husband, Nickolas of Salem, MA and Cynthia Jordan and her husband, Larry of Beverly, MA. He was deeply loved and respected by his many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. His art and his gentle soul touched so many people. Visiting Hours: At the Levesque Funeral Home, 163 Lafayette St. (Route 114/1-A), SALEM, will be on Friday, August 9, 2024, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. His Funeral Service will be in the funeral home, at 11:00 AM, on Saturday, August 10, followed by Burial in St. Mary Cemetery, Salem. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a memorial contribution to alz.org/donate For guestbook and to send a condolence, please visit www.LevesqueFunerals.com

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Published by Boston Globe from Aug. 6 to Aug. 7, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for KENNETH BECK

7 Entries

Arthur Dion

July 31, 2025

Ken loved the English language. He and I and everyone enjoyed his twisty, silly, funny, arch way with words. He didn´t merely describe something. He nailed it. Something in his cockiness was very appealing, I think probably especially to other cocky people.

His taste in films was exquisite.

He dressed for the occasion. His selection of garments could be adventurous to the point of splashy. Yet almost always flattering, unexpected, and droll.

With all of this, there was something very tender about him and his occasional frustration with his body, as we all feel.

Don´t even get me started about his place in the South End. An avalanche of objets and curiosities so crazy and wondrous I doubt it could have been put together on a dare by Margaret Mead and Dali. I say that with admiration.

He was grand. I think that´s what his work was about. Glorious, complex, monumental cookie sheets, little plastic measuring spoons, the great cake pans, the bears. The tender, daring, pot-bellied gorgeous bears. He named his largest, a six-foot red fluffarama, Total Babe.

He gave his painting subjects loving, involved, complicated inspection. He showed us that ordinary things are miraculous and haunting. He showed us that poring over them releases their energy and charm. He saw in them glorious delight. That was what we saw in him. He was a great painter. And a total babe.

Andy Browne

August 9, 2024

Ah, Ken was an inspiration, tireless, and a joy to have a meal with and converse.....He could go on, but what a treat to be there; a renaissance man in that he loved so much of life and art and knew so much. I have a small painting of his by my front door that I will salute in appreciation and love of him. Feel so so lucky that our paths crossed!

Geoffry Fried

August 9, 2024

Ken was a wonderful teacher. I always recommended his drawing classes to my design students-he seemed to know how to bring out their best work (even those reluctant to take a drawing course at all). It was a privilege to know him and we all benefited from his incredible spirit. My condolences to his family and dear friends.

Carolyn Muskat

August 8, 2024

A brilliant and always curious mind, a fearless talent, a dear lunch companion. I consider myself so fortunate to have known Ken -- and to have laughed with him, and learned from him. Safe journeys my friend.

Susan Ashbrook

August 7, 2024

Ken was so intelligent and knowledgeable about everything. Always generous and gracious. A great loss.

Robin

August 7, 2024

A sweet man and generous spirit. Wonderful teacher.

Arthur Dion

August 6, 2024

One of the great individual talents, a sparkling personality, a cheering presence in artistic and social circles. His work, wit, lair, taste, and manner charmed us all, and we delight in our memories of all of it and him. Safe passage to you, matchless Ken.

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