Kenneth N. Fernald

Kenneth Nelson Fernald, 85, of Newfields, NH, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on August 6, 2025, after a period of failing health.

Born on October 22, 1939, in Portsmouth, NH, Ken was the son of the late Kenneth F. Fernald and Dorothy H. Williams. He grew up in Greenland, NH, and graduated from Portsmouth High School in 1957. Upon graduation, Ken proudly served in the United States Air Force as an Intelligence Officer for six years-four on active duty, including a posting in the Philippine Islands, and two in the reserves.

Ken's commitment to education was lifelong. He earned degrees and certifications in Electronics and Industrial Engineering from NH Technical Institute (1964), Industrial Electronics from NH Vocational Technical College (1971), a Bachelor of Science in Management from Franklin Pierce College (1984), and graduated Cum Laude with an MBA from New Hampshire College (1990).

Following his military service, Ken began his professional career in the electrical department at Kidder Press in Dover, NH. As the company evolved into Moore Business Equipment, he rose to become Corporate HR Manager, splitting his time between Dover and the corporate headquarters in Chicago until his retirement in 2000.

Retirement marked the beginning of a second career in education. Ken served as adjunct faculty at MacIntosh College, Hesser College, and Southern New Hampshire University, teaching business and human science courses.

Ken's lifelong passions for meteorology and fire service were well-known. He served over 40 years as an independent weather observer for the state of New Hampshire, earning the prestigious NOAA John Campanius Holm Award in 2010 for his contributions to the National Weather Service. Known for his uncanny forecasting skills and incredible accuracy, he was often sought out for weather advice-famously recommending the third Saturday in July as the safest bet for a rain-free summer event.

His dedication to public service began with the Greenland Volunteer Fire Department, where he spent time as a child alongside his father before joining himself. He served as Fire Chief from 1978 to 1987, and later as Emergency Management Director for the Town of Greenland until 2015. Ken also taught nationally for the National Fire Academy and worked with the State of New Hampshire's Emergency Management Division to help towns develop emergency plans.

Ken is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 57 years, Sharon (Koulongis) Fernald of Newfields, NH; son Todd Fernald of Newfields, NH; son Chad Fernald and his wife Joleen of Trinity, FL; granddaughter Cheyenne Erikson and her husband Matthew of Trinity, FL; and granddaughter Abigail Martin and her husband Nate of Kittery, ME. He was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Marcia A. Fernald of Greenland, NH.

Services: A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, September 5th from 5–7 p.m. at the J. Verne Wood Funeral Home – Buckminster Chapel, 84 Broad Street in Portsmouth, NH. A celebration of life service will take place at Hope Community Church, 197 6th Street in Dover, NH on Saturday, September 6th at 11:30 a.m., with a reception to follow. A private burial service will be held for family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, honoring Ken's lifelong commitment to service and country.

For online condolences, visit: www.jvwoodfuneralhome.com