Kenneth Ketterer

October 29, 1956 - October 10, 2025
It is with a mixture of laughter and tears that we announce the passing of Kenneth J. Ketterer, lovingly known as "Kenny," the one and only King of Warren's Kitchen. Kenny left us to join the great kitchen in the sky on October 10, leaving behind a legacy of culinary delights and unforgettable memories.
Kenny was not just a husband, father, godfather, and sibling; he was the Mayor of Heritage Drive and self-proclaimed "different from everyone else." He ruled his kitchen like a kingdom, with the best antipasto salads and vinegar peppers that could make anyone's taste buds dance. His legendary gravelly voice often echoed throughout the restaurant and town with the warm greeting of "How we doin'?"
Known for his love of tie-dye T-shirts, Twizzlers, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, and beer, Kenny lived life in full color. He had a special talent for exaggeration, claiming he never "burned in the sun", despite sporting a red-hot tan that told a different story. He was a man of adventure when it came to food, though he had his quirks-he did not like linguini, spaghetti squash, or turkey pepperoni (until he found out he had been eating it for two years).
Kenny's culinary career took him from being the best chef at the Venetian in Weymouth for 40 years until retirement, when he came back to reign over Warren's Place, where he continued to share his passion for cooking with all who visited.
A devoted sports fan, Kenny cheered on the Red Sox, Celtics, Patriots, Bengals, and Cincinnati Reds, often rallying friends and family for game days filled with spirited debates and laughter. He shared this love with the younger generation as well, coaching youth baseball for many years as well as girls' softball and basketball. He played basketball for decades, until his knee pain from the games lasted until the next week's game.
Kenny also loved traveling. His favorite places to go were the Outer Banks, Aruba, Las Vegas, Panama City Beach, and any place a cruise ship would bring him. His favorite trips were taken with all of his family, extended family, and friends.
He fought a good battle going to Dana Farber every other week, and an even better battle against bad drivers, and was famous for his infamous beeps.
Kenny leaves behind not just a family but a community that will forever cherish his larger-than-life personality, his witty stories, and his incredible cooking. We will miss his unique flair, his heart of gold, and the way he made every gathering feel special. He is survived by his wife and soulmate of 39 years Judy (Gallahue) Ketterer, his son Brian (Ryan) of Malden, his daughters Taylor and Taryn Ketterer of Rockland, his dogs Tek and Cora of Rockland, a brother David Ketterer of Cincinnati, OH, a sister Barbara (Don) Rechtin of Jacksonville, FL, brothers-in-law James Gallahue of Weymouth and PJ (Kim) Gallahue of Whitman, sisters-in-law MaryRose (Chip) Grady of Mashpee, Trish (Bob) Gallahue of Cotuit, Laurie Nigro of Fall River, many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, many chickens, and koi fish. He is pre deceased by his father Carl B. Ketterer, mother Mary Ellen King, stepfather Richard King, and dogs Magnum, Pepe and Fenway.
So, let's raise a glass-filled with his favorite brew-and celebrate the one and only Kenny. May his spirit continue to fill our kitchens with love, laughter, and, of course, a little bit of that magic he brought to every meal. Rest easy, dear Kenny; you've certainly earned it!
In lieu of flowers we request donations be made in his name to Dana Farber.
Service dates will be shared soon.