John Kenneth Stuke

1934 - 2024

John Kenneth Stuke
John Kenneth Stuke (Ken), 89, formerly of Portland, CT, Westerly, RI, and Sebastian, FL passed away peacefully on October 29th while in hospice. His death was preceded by the late Barbara (Dunn) Stuke, the love of his life for 57 years, and his son and companion Paul Stuke. Ken is survived by three children, Debbie Deseno and her husband Nick, Doug Stuke and his wife Kathy and Donna LaBella and her husband Tom. Ken has 7 grandchildren, Nigel, Matt, Miro, Jordan, Nicole, Joshua, Jason and 7 great grandchildren. He has 2 siblings, Sandra and her husband Laurie, Pam and her husband Buddy, and was predeceased by his brother Richard Stuke and his wife Marjorie.
Ken grew up in Dedham, Massachusetts. After high School he joined the Air Force and served in the Korean War. Once his military service ended, he married his wife, Barbara. Initially they started their life together in Vernon, CT and then ultimately moved to Portland, CT, where they lived for more than 40 years and raised their children. Ken worked for Pratt & Whitney for 37 years as an engineer and later, the Director of Engineering for test cells operations. He was fortunate to take early retirement in 1992, which allowed him to spend many years with his wife, family and friends; visiting, traveling and spending treasured quality time at their cottage in Westerly, Rhode Island and house in Sebastian, Florida.
After Babrbara passed in 2014, he made his permanent home Sebastian, Florida. He would spend hours on the phone with family and friends sharing his latest adventures; often involving his Florida crew: Joy Fisher, Garry and Jen Fisette, and the many loving neighbors in the Park Place community. His final years were ones filled with sunshine, good eating and days spent with his loving puppy Stephanie, whom he cherished. Ken was a social butterfly and loved meeting and talking to people. It wasn't uncommon for him to make friends with strangers at the beach and learn their life story. With his family, he shared his love of joking, learning, and the Boston Red Sox. Ken will be missed by all those who knew him. His default setting was to be happy, and he would light up any room with his laughter and stories. He left an immense impression on those who loved him.
Family and friends are warmly invited to final services Friday, November 22nd at St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church, 10 Elm Street, Middletown, CT. His Funeral Mass will start promptly at 11:00 a.m. followed by a military burial and a reception. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial donation in Ken's name may do so to Middlesex Health Hospice Program, 21 Pleasant St, Middletown, CT.