Kenneth Ivar Tang

Devoted husband, proud Navy veteran, and beloved family man, Kenneth Ivar Tang, age 90, of Atlantic Beach, Florida, passed away on July 22, 2025. Some might say it was the result of a broken heart-just six months after losing his loving wife of 68 years, Carol. 

Ken lived a remarkable life defined by service, dedication, and devotion to his family. A true patriot, he retired as a year U.S. Navy veteran, having traveled the globe and made countless quiet sacrifices for his country-and for his family as its steadfast patriarch. 

Ken was born on June 22,1935 in Long Branch, New Jersey. He was raised by his loving parents, Ivar and Katherine Tang, on their sprawling countryside estate in Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania-a picturesque setting reminiscent of a Norman Rockwell painting, complete with a wooden bridge transversing a babbling brook. As an only child, Ken spent his childhood happily alongside his parents, learning all kinds of life skills. The family cherished time together at the Canoe Club and took frequent trips to the beach. 

Following in his father's footsteps, Ken joined the Boy Scouts, which became integral to his character. Through commitment, dedication, hard work, and perseverance he attained the coveted rank of Eagle Scout and was inducted into the Order of the Arrow. The values and skills he learned through scouting stayed with him throughout his life, guiding his commitment to service, leadership, and integrity. 

Ken's exceptional work ethic and financial savvy began at the young age of seven, when he ran both morning and evening paper routes. He earned one-cent of each two-cent delivery charge for morning deliveries and proudly negotiated earning two-cents for each evening delivery. He learned early that "a penny saved is a penny earned," and that lesson guided him always. 

A proud graduate of Abington Heights High School in Clarks Summit, class of 1953, Ken was known for his athleticism, intelligence and leadership, both on and off the field. He was honored as an outstanding member of the football team and served as the sole representative of his school in the prestigious District All Stars Dream Team game — a recognition that reflected his talent, hard work, and dedication to the sport he loved. 

Beyond the field, Ken had a wide range of interests and talents. He was an active member of the rifle club and the yearbook staff, showcasing both his focus and creativity. Academically gifted, he especially excelled in math, and he brought joy and energy wherever he went — even winning dance contests with his signature moves and infectious enthusiasm. 

Following graduation, he enrolled at Penn State University. A few semesters later, he returned home with surprising news announcing he had enlisted in the U.S. Navy-selecting a career as an electrician-a decision that would shape the course of his life. 

Ken's first military assignment was in Maine, where off-duty entertainment was limited. On a December evening in 1955, he headed to Boston to attend a U.S.O. dance. As fate would have it, he met Carol O'Brien, who became his beloved wife in 1957. Their special song was "Swingin' on a Star" by Bing Crosby. 

Soon after marrying, they received their first military transfer to Key West, Florida, where they began their family of eight children. They moved many times throughout Ken's Navy career, eventually settling at Mayport Naval Station in Jacksonville, Florida. 

Ken and Carol suffered the heartbreaking loss of three of their children to Cystic Fibrosis. Ken shouldered the sorrow with quiet strength, continuing to provide for and raise their five surviving children with love and devotion. To provide for his family, he took on numerous side jobs-working at the very first McDonald's, selling Reader's Digest and encyclopedias door-to-door, and running the projection system at the Mayport Naval Base movie theater. 

With classic good looks, piercing blue eyes, and a Superman-like strength and courage, Ken was always someone his family could count on. With so many children, someone always needed help and Ken always showed up with a solution. Whether it was a car breakdown, a breakup, moving day, or life's many other challenges, Ken tackled it with ingenuity and used the moment to pass on a life lesson. 

Through the eyes of his children, Ken was so much more than a father. He was a banker, disciplinarian, doctor, entertainer, handyman, mechanic, nurturer, photographer, problem solver, protector, provider, referee, rescuer, teacher... and above all, a hero. 

Ken and Carol's children cherish the boundless joy their parents provided in countless ways. Somehow they funded band instruments, bikes, swing sets, parties, presents, vacations, and weekly allowances; Dad's help with our award-winning math and science projects; our home being yard of the month; festive military homecoming celebrations; dad's spectacular exterior Christmas lights matching mom's phenomenal interior Christmas decorations; homemade Halloween costumes and tricks mom and dad came up with; fun-filled 4th of July neighborhood celebrations and attending firework shows; special family vacations traveling in our Winnebago RV and at Newfound Lake in New Hampshire; and all the trips to visit with our treasured grandparents. 

A proud member of the United States Navy, Ken served with honor and heart. One memory that best captures his spirit is the Christmas light displays he designed for his ship. His creativity and festive spirit not only brought joy to his fellow sailors but also earned the ship top honors for best display. It was a shining example of the pride he took in his work and his gift for lifting the spirits of those around him. 

Ken retired from the U.S. Navy in 1974 after a distinguished career, achieving the rank of Senior Chief. After moving from military housing, Carol fell in love with a dilapidated historic house in Atlantic Beach, Florida. Honoring her vision to make it their home, Ken undertook a massive restoration project alongside her. Through years of painstaking work, together they transformed it into a beautiful estate-their little slice of paradise-where they happily lived for 50 years. 

In the 1970s, Ken served for several years as the scoutmaster of his son Chris's Boy Scout troop. This gave him the opportunity to share quality time and adventures with his son and mentor many young men. Because of Ken, Troop 324 was no ordinary scout troop. It was an era before cell phones, the Internet, and social media-when friendships and outdoor adventures formed real bonds. The boys formed close, lasting friendships. It was like catching lightning in a bottle. 

Ken guided his troop on countless camping trips along the East Coast, often joined by his own family in their Winnebago RV, towing the canoes Ken had taught the scouts to customize and maintain. They regularly paddled the Suwannee and Withlacoochee Rivers on weekends throughout the years. He even took the troop to camp out at his childhood home in Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania. 

As an Eagle Scout himself, Ken mentored many young scouts towards their own Eagle rank. He was so proud when his grandson, Zachary, and great-grandson, Michael, both attained Eagle rank. Over the years, many former scouts stayed in touch with Ken and one another. Several even traveled long distances to surprise him at his 80th birthday party, making it a truly special and unforgettable celebration. 

Ken had a great smile, a hearty laugh, and could tell a captivating story. A lifelong football fan, he rooted for the New York Giants until the Jaguars came along. Then he and Carol became proud season ticket holders, attending games and making unforgettable memories with friends. He also loved baseball, especially when the Red Sox won. 

In retirement, Ken savored life's simple pleasures. He loved a good breakfast, a quality cup of coffee, and taking Carol out to dinner. He had his daily rituals: reading the newspaper (especially the comics), spending time on his computer, skimming the pool, tinkering in his workshop, fixing things around the house, watching the evening news with Carol before dinner, and relaxing by the pool in the evenings. They both enjoyed completing colorful puzzles in the company of their rescue kitties, Holly and Decky, who now miss them dearly. 

Though Ken spent 20 years in the U.S. Navy, much of it on ships at sea, it was his wife Carol who convinced him to embrace cruising for leisure. He couldn’t let her down—and to his surprise, he thoroughly enjoyed their adventures together. The two journeyed on cruises to Hawaii, Alaska, New England, Canada, and the Caribbean, building cherished memories along the way. 

Ken and Carol also shared a deep love for the North Carolina mountains, where they took numerous trips and reveled in the beauty of nature. Among their many adventures, they braved the white waters of the Nantahala River. 

One of the most treasured moments of Ken’s later years came during their 60th wedding anniversary, when the family gathered for a once-in-a-lifetime vacation at Lake Burton, Georgia. The celebration was filled with adventures, laughter, and unforgettable memories—culminating in a breathtaking Fourth of July fireworks display over the lake, viewed from the top of the boathouse. 

Ken was also the barbecue king and the director-of-fun at family gatherings. All the grandchildren and great-grandchildren delighted in pool games and being tossed high in the air into the waterlaughing, giggling and begging for another turn. Those were truly the good old days.

 Like many men of his generation, Ken wasn't touchy-feely. He was strong and reserved-but carried inside him a tender heart. Even if he rarely said it, you absolutely knew he loved you. He will be remembered for his quiet strength, honorable service to his country, and devotion to his family. 

“Fair winds and following seas Dad. We love you!” 

Ken was predeceased by his beloved wife of 68 years, Carol Tang; three of his children, Kenny (7 months), Christine (13 years), and Kendra (4 months); and his great-grandson, Gavin (23 years). 

Left to cherish Ken's memory are his son Christopher (Barbara) Tang; four daughters: Katherine Tang-Wilcox; Cynthia Carter-Ross, Cherie Tang, and Kara Chalmers; five grandchildren: Zachary, Chrystal, Dawn, Hayden, and Kendra; four great-grandchildren: Michael, Nathan, Gage, and Kendra; and nephew, Jay (Laura) O'Brien. 

A visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, August 1, 2025, at Quinn Shalz Funeral Home, located at 3600 3rd Street South, Jacksonville Beach, Florida. 

A funeral service will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, located at 1423 8th Avenue North, Jacksonville Beach, Florida 32250, followed by a graveside service with military honors at H. Warren Smith Cemetery. 

Please consider a contribution to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, a cause dear to Ken and Carol's hearts, and a meaningful way to honor them.