Kenneth P. Stetson

A Maine native, Kenneth Prilay Stetson, Jr., age 80, passed away on July 8, 2025.
He was born on April 13, 1945, in the midst of a nor'easter in Bangor, Maine, to Pearl (Thompson) Stetson and Kenneth Stetson, Sr. A natural leader from a young age, Kenneth began a lifetime of accomplishments, earning the rank of Eagle Scout and Order of the Arrow with Boy Scouts of America. At his high school, Lee Academy, competing in varsity cross country, he advanced the team to the state meet in 1963. His senior class voted him in as class president. He graduated from the University of Maine in 1966, where he was a member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity and served as Student Body Vice President.
Upon graduating, Kenneth enlisted in the United States Navy. He served in Vietnam from 1967 to 1975 and continued his military career for a total of 30 years. He was a distinguished serviceman, a decorated war hero, and "the Old Man" to many a service member aboard several United States Navy Ships. Kenneth was fluent in seven languages and proudly represented his country with honor and dedication. After retiring from the Navy, Kenneth transitioned into civilian service as the Assistant Director of Security at The Gardens Mall in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
An avid outdoorsman, Kenneth had a deep love for hunting, fishing, snowshoeing, gardening, and spending time in nature. He was fond of all animals, but especially those that resided on his property, the fat cat Klaus, Hilary, the Persian, the tortoise under the Volvo, and the burrowing owls that would show up on the car when he had to go to work. He'd shake his head and say, "All are welcome".
Known for his strength, integrity, and tinkering, he was truly a "man's man." He was also deeply engaged in his community, serving as a past president of the North Palm Beach chapter of Kiwanis.
As the 13th generation, great grandson of Robert Stetson of Plymouth, MA, (1640), he was a lifetime, delineated, member of the Stetson Kindred of America. The Stetson men married into the Brewster family making Ken also the 13th great grandson, of the esteemed and notable William Brewster. Elder William Brewster was responsible for bringing the pilgrims from England on the Mayflower to form a religious settlement in the new colonies, called Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1620, and then became advisor to the first Massachusetts governors.
Kenneth shared 50 extraordinary years of marriage with his beloved wife, MaryAnn Morgan Stetson. They raised four outstanding, world-traveled children: the late Melissa Stetson Doyle; James Stetson of Bloomington, Illinois; Rebecca Stetson-Gray of Superior, Colorado; and Kenneth Stetson, III of Longmont, Colorado. A proud grandfather to seven grandchildren, they were the joy of his later years: Laura Larkins of Martin, Tennessee; Victoria Kepler-Salge of Spring Hill, Tennessee; Carrigan Doyle of Port St. Lucie, Florida; Aidan Doyle of Jupiter, Florida; Axel Gray of Superior, Colorado; Jimmy Joe Stetson of Bloomington, Illinois; and Logan Stetson of Longmont, Colorado.
Kenneth lived by a simple but powerful philosophy: to love God and treat every person with equal dignity, believing that no one stands higher or lower than another.
He will be remembered for his service, his unwavering values, and the love he had for his family and community.
A Graveside Service will be held Wednesday, July 30th 11AM at Vine Lake Cemetery in Medfield.