MELROSE, Mass. - Kenneth A. "Ken" Kartes, of Melrose, Mass., passed away on Friday, April 24, 2020, at age 58.

Beloved husband of Joan M. (Sutton) Kartes. Devoted father of Jonathan Kartes of Penacook, N.H., Crystal Bairos of Leominster, Tammy Frankie of Milton, N.H., Lauren Kershaw of Melrose, and Brian Kershaw of Melrose. Loving brother of Chris Kartes of Tega Cay, S.C. Cherished grandfather of Acacia and Anthony Bairos.

SERVICES: Due to the ongoing public health crisis in the world and with genuine concern for the people in the community, services for Ken will be private and reserved for immediate family and friends. A celebration of life will be announced at a later time. For now, please offer your words of love and support online at RobinsonFuneralHome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Foster's Daily Democrat from Apr. 29 to May 2, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Kartes

Sponsored by Robinson Funeral Home - Melrose.

58 Entries

Richard Curcuru

May 18, 2020

Dear Joan and Family. While looking at some of Ken's amazing work today, I was so sadden to hear of his passing. I am so sorry for your loss and my deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. May our Lord bless and comfort you and your family during this time of grief. Though I am sure that no one can truly understand how hard his passing has been for all of you, please know that his suffering is finally over and he is now at peace. I only met Ken a few times, but I was blessed to have known him and to be able to spend some time in his company. He was a remarkable man with a beautiful soul and the love he had for you and all of his family was so heartwarming. My heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family, wishing you peace to bring you comfort, the courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.

Carol Van Valkenburgh

May 9, 2020

Dear Joan & family, I just saw this & am saddened for Ken's passing, although he fought valiantly with you by his side. He's now at peace....and a double sorrow with his mom's passing too. We can't be together at this awful time, but please know you & yours are in my thoughts & prayers!!! May your cherished memories bring you joy. Heartfelt sympathy. Love,

Linda Randall

May 5, 2020

I unfortunately never had the pleasure of meeting Ken but we followed one another on Instagram. I am so sorry to hear of his passing and will miss his beautiful photography. My sincere condolences go out to his family during this very sad time.
-anirishlassie-

Carol Phinney

May 5, 2020

Thank you, Ken for the beauty you brought daily and the inspiration you showed in the face of great adversity. My heart truly hurts with the the loss of your passing. It was an honor to know you and call you a friend.

Joseph & Mary Sutton Leavy

May 5, 2020

Ken you will always be in our thoughts & prayers

Drew Bates

May 5, 2020

Gonna miss you Cuz, a lot of great memories.

Anna Maria Stanfield

May 5, 2020

Dear Joan and Ken's family,
I am so sorry for the great loss of your wonderful, kind, caring and loving Ken. It is so heartbreaking that his life ended too soon, yet I know he is no longer suffering and is happily in Heaven with our Lord and all our loved ones who have gone before us. I am so thankful for the years of happiness and joy he brought to our world, and most especially to you, his family, and all who knew him. I am grateful for the many fun times we got to enjoy with him.
May God bless you Joan and all family and friends whom he so dearly loved and whose lives he touched and brought so much happiness to. He was such a blessing while here on this earth and certainly greatly missed, but now we must remember he is joyfully in heaven and his spirit is forever and always near. You and all your family are always in my thoughts and prayers. May God give you all the strength, courage, and help you need in this difficult time and always keep you safe. Love, AnnMarie

Meg Sutton

May 4, 2020

We are all better for having had Ken in our lives. I know he is watching over his loved ones from Heaven just like he did during his life. He is at peace and his spirit and inspiration make us all better in our personal journeys. We will miss him dearly, but know he is always with us!

MaryPat King

May 2, 2020

I am sorry to read of Ken's passing. I didn't know him but I enjoyed his photos on a Facebook page, New Hampshire Photography, a page on which I would sometimes post a photo or two. A person posted on that page that we lost one of our own... May he rest in peace. Condolences to his family and friends... I loved a slide show of the Isles of Shoals that he posted on the Facebook page. I will share the slide show in his memory on my Facebook page.

Kay Lavoie

May 2, 2020

Dear Joan,

I'm so sorry to hear of Ken's passing.
I hope the many happy memories you
shared will be a comfort.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Kay Lavoie

Niecy Moss

May 1, 2020

Dear Ken, We had communicated for years trying to set up a photo shoot. I loved and adored your pictures and I enjoyed your comments and notes. I will miss you and seeing your posts. May you rest in eternal peace.

Martha Sullivan

May 1, 2020

I knew you as a charming child, then we reconnected recently on Facebook. Rest in peace, along with my friend, your beautiful mother Elaine.

Nancy Kershaw

May 1, 2020

Ken, you are greatly missed by all who knew and loved you. I feel blessed to have been part of your extended family and am so grateful to have shared in many wonderful times. You made things fun with your quirky sense of humor and the way you always looked to the bright side of everything. You and your "sweetie" Joan were so good together it made us happy being with you! Rest in peace, Ken. Your beautiful photographs and our memories will be with us forever.

Brittany Verville

May 1, 2020

Working with Ken for several years was always such a joy. He was always so kind and filled with excitement in all that he did, and instantly bonded over a love for photography. Such an incredible man. Sending thoughts and prayers to his family.

Andy Beaupre

May 1, 2020

Ken knew how to be a great friend. He left behind such vivid memories; that's what I'll remember. He was easy to talk to, never in a rush, always in the moment and had a great sense of humor. I learned many things from him over the years, especially how to be brave during life's toughest challenges. Our "Fogarty Four" lunches were always a highlight - Conrad Aubin, Greg Kretschmar, Ken and me, together, for 2, sometimes 3 hours. We were all into photography so that was always part of the conversation, along with politics, family and our latest endeavors. He seldom brought up his cancer, so we'd ask. Once the subject was out there, he didn't shy away, answering our questions fully, calmly. He never felt bad for himself or expressed regret. "It is what it is," he'd say. When the waitress came by and asked about dessert, he always said yes and savored every crumb. Life was literally too short. "Always get the pie" is one of the life lessons he left behind. It's a literal and figurative statement about a special man. HIs bravery extended to his photography. He wasn't afraid to experiment, try and sometimes fail. Blurred images? Why not? Make a goofy face in a photo? No problem! Swirl colors in a psychedelic palette? Let's do it! Authentic is a perfect word for Ken. He never put on airs, was honest, consistently himself and never worried what people thought. Gonna miss you man. Thanks for all you did and left behind. Love you.

Linda Woolf

April 30, 2020

Ken was such a wonderful friend to me over the past few years. We spent many hours talking about one of his favorite subjects (besides photography) poetry! A couple of books I gave him centered around the natural world and how it was depicted by such authors as Mary Oliver, Francis of Assisi and Margaret Fuller.
I think Ken's beautiful photos were odes to the importance of nature in his life. I shall treasure those times with Ken forever.
To paraphrase Robert Frost, another of Ken's cherished poets,
The woods are lovely dark and deep
He kept his promises & earned his sleep

Susan Skees

April 30, 2020

Joan, I found Ken's obituary in yesterday' Globe. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. I was aware that he was giving his all in his fight against his cancer and I am sadden to know that he lost the battle. May he rest in peace now.

You and your family are remembered in my prayers.

Rebecca Linhart

April 30, 2020

Ken, you will be so missed! I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know you through my friendship with Fawn and John. Your pictures were such a treat and the head shot photos you did for the scholarship fund were fantastic. I will keep in touch with Joan.
Love,
Becky

Karen Adler Miletsky

April 30, 2020

Ken I will miss seeing all your gorgeous, beautiful photos and chatting with you on Facebook, You will me missed by your fans around the world. I hope you are at peace now with your camera by your side in the hereafter. My condolences go out to your whole family, friends and fans you are truly being missed. My heart breaks and has tears for your passing. You were way to young to have passed and still had a creative genius to artistically show us through the lense of your camera. Rest In Peace Ken in the great beyond

April 29, 2020

My condolences to the family, may you find comfort in your many wonderful memories and in the loving support of God and family.

Carol & Steve Carpinella

April 29, 2020

As one of Joan's oldest and dearest friends, I first met Ken at a "girls night out" dinner in Boston as Joan wanted to introduce him to her friends. Ken was very brave to come to dinner that night as we were very protective of our friend. It didn't take us long to realize that Joan had found a true gem in Ken. She deserved the best and that is what she got. To Joan, Ken and Joan's children and grandchildren, our deepest sympathy for your loss. Ken will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Keeping your all in our prayers.

Rosie and Marty Cook

April 29, 2020

RIP Ken. Heaven got a great one . Grateful for the times spent with us and our son for so many years. A little story. On our many talks about photography (he has a knack as you all know) he found out I collected rocks and sand from everywhere. After his and Joan's trip overseas I received a sweet note and a special rock in the mail from him from Ireland. A dream I have to always visit there. He and his magical art will be greatly missed ❤

Aaron Rohde

April 29, 2020

Always remember running into Ken as the happy go lucky photographer. Loved chatting with him anytime we ran into each other at events. Such an awesome guy, he will be missed.

Ken Sutton

April 29, 2020

Thank you for the joy and love you brought to our family. Family get togethers will not be the same. You will be missed and forever in our hearts.

Love you Ken ... Ken, Janet, Elizabeth and Sarah

April 29, 2020

RIP Ken. Say hi to Mike for me. You will have a lot to talk about.

Darlene Webber Berwick, ME

Alice Anne Barbo

April 29, 2020

Rest In Peace Ken. Your artistry, kindness and spirit have made all who knew you, better people. Thank you for always being supportive. Sincere condolences to your family and friends.

Matt Murohy

April 29, 2020

From the many loon shooting trips we went on together or just shots of watersports you always were ready to capture the moment. You were a good and dear friend. Stood with more courage through adversity than anyone I've ever known. Your calm demeanor was always welcoming with an extra burger on the grill, catching a concert or just watching the sunsets on Merrymeeting Lake. Safe travels my friend. Keep your camera by your side. Always.

Colette Maguire

April 29, 2020

Dear Joan, sincere sympathy.

You're such a good person and I'm glad you had that special time together. Your faith will get you through these trying times. Sad that we can't be there for you but please know thoughts and prayers are with you. Peace, Colette Maguire

John C Murphy

April 29, 2020

God bless you Kenny you were such a great person I enjoyed all of your photos friend and classmate John Murphy

Gary LeBlanc

April 29, 2020

Ken you will be forever missed...It is a privilege to call you a friend and it was an honor to have served with you at Pease and later at New Boston AS..your gift of photography and those amazing photos are a testament to who you are as a person and you will live on through them..RIP

Scott Demers

April 28, 2020

Joan, Jonathan and all members of the Kartes and Kershaw families,

Your husband, father, step-dad, and all around decent human being will be missed.

I had the privilege of getting to know Ken(ny) over the last 30+ years in numerous capacities.

I saw him for a decade or so with my sister and brother-in-law (the Dudley's) at their social gatherings while he was in the Air Force and shortly thereafter.

A couple of years passed by then he was my appliance repairman both at Nard's and then his own business when he went out on his own for another decade or so.

Then one day 7 or 8 years ago I heard his recognizable voice in my office lobby where the Dover Art Walk started on the 3rd Floor of the Picker Building . . . and then after 25+ years of knowing him, I found out one of his true passions in life.

Photography.

It took me that long to realize he liked photography because we would always talk about his other passions . . . family and friends.

I also had the pleasure of having him as a client for numerous years.

Ken was a kind man. He was a loving man. And he was a good man. I know how happy he was to have met Joan (you inspired him - he would always glow whenever he spoke of you).

I have seen dozens of photos of downtown Dover over the years . . . but he took one of my favorite ones ever. It was a night-time shot of the falls on Central Avenue . . . with lights magically dancing from the water's foam.

You will be missed by all Ken, but you will not be forgotten.

Much love and sympathy to Joan, Jon, and all Ken's loved ones.

Billi Weltmer

April 28, 2020

Ken you will be missed so much by so many you have filled so many hearts with love and friendship we will miss you and remember you always .. watch over your family and friends
Billi (Fields) Weltmer classmate stoneham high 79

Salvatore Stabile

April 28, 2020

I'm sorry for your loss.

Karen Bauer

April 28, 2020

Ken was the just nicest person who touched many people with his kindness. I always looked forward to his beautiful photos of the day. Rest in peace my friend.

KARL GARNETT

April 28, 2020

Ken, you will be missed old friend. You were a friend to everyone, and always asking how others were doing and rarely talked about your problems. You'd stop by my work and we'd do a quick catch-up of how my family was doing and talk about the next Flight get together and who might show up. You have left your mark on all of us who knew you and we are better for having known you. Rest peacefully my Air Force Brother.

Jim Anthony

April 28, 2020

I got to know Ken through mutual friends. Always a smile and a camera. Kind, caring man, who will certianly be missed.

Kathy Paradis

April 28, 2020

I will miss Ken and his picture of the day.
He touched our hearts & souls. RIP

Jeanne & Bruce Lepine

April 28, 2020

Heartbroken to hear the news of Ken's passing. Will always remember his kindness and helpfulness. Rest in peace Ken.

Ryan Kelly

April 28, 2020

Ken, you will always be a Brother to those of us that wore the uniform. Knowing that your time with us was coming to an end, you never lost your sense of humor or your positive outlook on life. Rest In Peace my friend, my Brother you were one of the great ones.

Jim Rohan

April 28, 2020

Ken, I'm going to miss our Sunday morning coffee get-togethers so much. I think we discussed and solved every photography and world problem that there was in those wonderful hours. I'll never forget those times and I'll never forget you. I wish I had known you for much longer than I did, but I'm sure everyone who has ever known you feels the same way.

Stuart Crook

April 28, 2020

I met Ken at Pease AFB, he was a brother and friend. He went on to be a great photographer and his pictures will be with us forever. As will our memoirs of him. The gentle, but strong man. Rest easy my brother, we have the watch for you.

Patrick Jurgens Jurgens

April 28, 2020

I just met Ken a couple months ago as we live in the same neighborhood. Since then, he has shared his photos taken during walks in the neighborhood and was happy to help with our First Steps Photo project taking photos of families in the neighborhood including my family. Favorite post from Ken was the video of the kids' bike parade. It was easy to tell how much he enjoyed sharing his photographic perspective.

Jake Christiansen

April 28, 2020

Thank you for all the laughs we had in the service, and for your friendship throughout the years. You were always the cool, calm and collected one with a great sense of humor. Thanks for always having our backs. Rest in peace, my friend.

Mitch Carl

April 28, 2020

It was an honor to be your friend. I will miss you until we meet again. Mitch

Eileen and James Malin

April 28, 2020

Ken, you were an inspiration to me and James in how you lived your life every day! It was carpe diem, or seize the day, every day! I enjoyed all the beautiful photos you shared everyday and your appreciation for life and nature that came through. You taught me some valuable life lessons and I thank you for it. Rest In Peace Ken, we will greatly miss you.

Mary New

April 28, 2020

Ken, Thanks for encouraging my own photography hobby. Thanks for always being supportive when it came to photography and more importantly, during life's challenging times. You never failed to make me laugh. Your courage during the last two and half years was heroic and awe-inspiring. Words can't express how much you will be missed. All my love to Joan and family.

Kathryn Bedard

April 28, 2020

I was a Facebook friend of Kens for quite some time. One of my favorite things was seeing his photo of the day. Seeing all the beautiful tributes on his page I wish I had the opportunity to have gotten to know him better. Ken was a special man that put a smile on so many faces each day. My condolences to his family and all the others that will miss him. Kathy Bedard

Antoinette Derdock

April 28, 2020

God bless, my brother-in-love. What a wonderful son, created, between the love of you and my sister, Cathy Speidel. Rest in Peace

Michael Ness

April 28, 2020

My lost lost brethren [stationed together at Pease AFB back in the early 80s] I rediscovered on FB many years ago. It was an honor to serve with him and be his friend. We spoke a month ago on the phone before he past...truly a humble and gracious man, even though he said he may not have enough time on this Earth, he lived a full and happy life. I'll miss him and his photos that really told the story of who he was and what he cherished in this world. Rest in peace my friend...

Barbara Fisher

April 28, 2020

Thanks for your photo taking tips and your "picture of the day." I'll miss your political posts and your calm way of keeping everyone civil. I'll think of you whenever I hear about or drive by Pease AFB. You're a 'good human' and will be missed.

Patricia Frisella

April 28, 2020

I loved getting to know Ken via facebook of all things. I loved his humor and his gorgeous photos. He will be missed by all he knew him. I am happy I have one of his beautiful photo prints.

Yolande Clark

April 28, 2020

You will be deeply missed. You were a good friend and always willing to help others. May God be with your family during this difficult time.

Tim Dudley

April 28, 2020

I was stationed with Kenny at Pease AFB and he took me under his wing as a young airman. He's one of the most loving and giving people you would ever have the honor of knowing. You will be missed my friend. Thoughts and prayers go to his family.

Pamela Carignan

April 28, 2020

Funny thing I was born and grew up in Melrose....I had a small restaurant in Somersworth-that was where Ken and friends came for coffee once a week to visit. We were so fortunate to have his photos hanging in our space to enjoy. He was such a kind man who had a passion for photography and a deep love for his wife Joan.
We were so lucky to have been friends with Ken and will miss him dearly. I am sure we have all been looking at photos and appreciate the daily pics-The pictures of Charlie always mwde me smile.
Rest in peace Ken-Pam

Paul Rybolt

April 28, 2020

I never met Ken but had many talks with him. He set an example for all of us in how a life should be lived. I'll miss him and my thoughts are with Joan and the family.

mike Gilbert

April 28, 2020

It was great to serve with you as an SP, you will be missed Brother

Mark Lopez

April 28, 2020

An honor to have served with Ken at Pease AFB. He was a kind generous man. I was glad to see him at our last reunion. God bless. Mark Lopez

Pam Manoff

April 28, 2020

Blessed to have known your amazing spirit! Rest in Peace #spartanstrong

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