John Kenneth "Ken" Hellyer

John Kenneth Hellyer

August 12, 1941 – September 26, 2025

John "Ken" Kenneth Hellyer was born on August 12, 1941, in Englewood, New Jersey, to John Wentworth and Esther Hellyer. He spent his early years in Tenafly before the family moved to Closter when his sister, Connie, was born.

As a young man, Ken was an altar boy at Christ of the Atonement Episcopal Church and a dedicated Boy Scout, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. He had a lifelong love of 1950s and 1960s music, with Elvis Presley as his idol. In high school, Ken and two friends formed a small three-piece rock and roll band, reflecting his passion for music and camaraderie.

Ken graduated from Northern Valley Regional High School in Demarest, New Jersey, and went on to attend Tusculum University in Greeneville, Tennessee. He graduated in 1963 with a degree in education. It was at Tusculum that he met his first wife, Pat. After graduation, they married and began their teaching careers on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Six years later, they settled in Pompton Plains, New Jersey, Pat's hometown, where Ken began teaching U.S. History at Pequannock Township High School.

Ken and Pat raised their two children, Amy and John, in Pompton Plains. They were especially proud of their beloved granddaughter, Phoebe Patterson, who brought great joy to their lives.

Ken remained an educator and an active member of the community throughout his life. He served faithfully at the First Reformed Church of Pompton Plains, where he was a member of the Consistory, sang in the choir, and volunteered countless hours on various committees.

Beyond teaching and church involvement, Ken contributed to his community in many ways. He officiated middle and high school softball games, served as basketball timekeeper until two years ago, and was active in the Pequannock Township Republican Club. He also coached youth and high school softball, was a certified Girl Scout leader, and proud supporter of veterans and the U.S. military.

After the passing of his first wife, Pat, in 2004, Ken was blessed to find love again. In 2005, he married Suzanne Chilton Harper. Together they shared 20 wonderful years filled with family gatherings, cruises, travel, and cherished time spent at Ken's beloved family home in Little Deer Isle, Maine. Ken especially loved spending time with his family and took great joy in sailing, watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren participate in their sports, music, and drama performances-often traveling to different states to cheer them on.

Ken is survived by his wife, Suzanne; daughter Amy and her husband Mike Patterson; son John and his husband Michael Shera; granddaughter Phoebe Patterson; sister Connie and her husband Ross King; seven stepchildren; twenty step-grandchildren; and twenty-seven step-great-grandchildren.

There will be a memorial service at the First Reformed Church of Pompton Plains on Sunday, October 19th at 3pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ken's memory may be made to the First Reformed Church of Pompton Plains Cemetery Fence Fund.