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Kenneth E. "Ken" Fish Jr.

Kenneth E. "Ken" Fish Jr. obituary, East Greenwich, RI

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Kenneth Fish Obituary

FISH, Jr., Kenneth "Ken" E.
78, of East Greenwich, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, November 24, 2020. He was the beloved husband of Trent Ferrara to whom he was devoted for 33 years. Born in the Pontiac section of Warwick, he was the son of the late Kenneth Fish, Sr. and Ruth (Barker) Fish.
Ken graduated from Trinity College and went on to work in the fashion industry achieving a position as Fashion Director for GQ Magazine. After several years in the fashion industry, Ken returned home, earning his Master's Degree in Education and began a career with the Rhode Island Dept. of Education becoming the Director of the Office of Middle and High School Reform. After 32 years with RIDE, Ken retired and moved on to become the Executive Director of Exchange City. He loved teaching and that passion carried him into his volunteer role with Dorcas House and their literacy program.
His strong devotion to his community also led him to become one of the co-founders of AIDS Project RI in 1985, to become a board member of Youth Pride, a board member of School One, a member of the ACLU, and most recently to become a Board Member of the Pine Glen Home Association. A lifelong fan of the PAWSOX, he could be found at every home game. He was also a huge fan of the Red Sox and New England Patriots. When not watching a ball game, Ken was often on a bike ride with his friends from the Old Spokes Bike Club.
Besides his husband, Ken is survived by his brother, Larry Fish and Sister-in-Law Phyllis, South Kingstown. His Sister-in-Law, Jane Fish, South Kingstown. His Mother-In-Law, Bessie M. Ferrara (Goluses) and Brother-In-Law, Peter Comella, of South Kingstown. His cousin Darlene Williamson, and her children Emily and Andrew. He will be missed immensely by Dena and Rutton Patel, and his nephew Andreas Patel. His fur buddy, Ollie has always been by his side, and will miss Ken. He is pre-deceased by his brother Robert E. Fish. While Ken had no children of his own, he loved his many nieces and nephews attending many of their school and athletic events. He leaves behind his nephews, Brett, Blair, and Brian Fish and nieces Julie Beebe, Lindsay Longval, Kimberly Waeger, and Rebecca Riebe and 21 great nieces and nephews.
Ken freely shared his gifts of being able to listen with patience, council with compassion and to disagree while still being kind, with his many family members and friends.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, there will not be any services at this time. A celebration of Ken's life will be planned for a future date.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to AIDS Project RI, P.O. Box 6688, Providence, RI 02940, American Heart Association, PO Box 417005, Boston, MA US 02241-7005, or Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island, 220 Elmwood Avenue, Providence, RI 02907 will be appreciated.
Please visit www.FaganQuinnFuneralHome.com for information and online condolences.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Providence Journal on Nov. 29, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Fish

Sponsored by Patrick Quinn Funerals and Cremations Fagan-Quinn Funeral Home - North King.

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Annette Cerrone

December 3, 2020

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. May God bless you at this time. Ken was a very special friend. Love Annette

leon juskalian

November 29, 2020

to his survivors, i am offering my deepest condolences; so sorry for your loss

Pam Porter

November 29, 2020

To Trent and all of Ken's family, I am very sorry for your loss. He will be deeply missed and I especially will miss our chats during his visits at the office.

Sally Arsenault

November 29, 2020

I’m sad that you had to leave the earth so soon, Ken, and with so much zest for life. I wish we could all gather to say farewell. The image of you 22 years ago at my dad’s memorial service is still with me. It was a privilege to know and work with you for so many years at RIDE. You brought equanimity to life. Your love for others was infectious, and your presence challenged everyone around you to join you on the moral high ground. What a wonderful, self-extending person. My heart goes out to Trent at this sad time.

Steve Kagan

November 29, 2020

Ken always had a smile and a hug at the ready, and he lit up those around him. He led by example. In the '80's when we were just talking about an AIDS project he showed us how to collaborate. He was involved and what he said and did mattered. I will miss seeing him on his bike around RI.

Dana s. Leslie

November 29, 2020

Trent, Please know you have my sincerest sympathy and concern. Ken will be greatly missed. Hugs.

Blair Fish

November 28, 2020

Ken Fish was a passionate advocate for minority groups of all kinds. He navigated his life with a moral compass and ever enduring compassion for those disproportionately effected by current norms. Hope was the anchor of his soul. My Uncle will be sorely missed.

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Patrick Quinn Funerals and Cremations Fagan-Quinn Funeral Home - North King

825 Boston Neck Road, North Kingstown, RI 02852

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