Kenneth Flanders

1928 - 2017

Kenneth J. Flanders

Worcester - Kenneth J. Flanders. Faith guided him throughout his long life. It assured him in the end that while life changes...it does not end. He knew he would be with God and happily reunited with his wife, Betty. That day came for Ken on Friday, July 14, 2017 when he died surrounded in the love of family. He was 89.

Kenneth J. Flanders was born on April 3, 1928 in Worcester, a son of the late George and Nellie (Flynn) Flanders. He honorably served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II and later graduated from the New England School of Accounting. Through introduction by lifelong friend, Pat Fenlon McGinn, he met Elizabeth Marley in May 1957. They were engaged in October 1957 and were married in St. Joseph Church in Leicester on February 8, 1958. They raised seven children with love, faith and discipline.

He worked for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for 40 years in various management positions, including an accountant for the State Auditor's Office, treasury positions for Cushing Hospital and the Fernald School, and as Personnel Director for Gardner State Hospital and Cushing Hospital, from which he retired in 1989.

Ken had varied interests and belonged to multiple organizations. A favorite was Sea Scouts where for over 49 years he served as ship leader, council commodore, and regional commodore of the New England Quarterdeck. He received the Silver Beaver Recognition Award and the Quartermaster Award, the highest rank in Sea Scouting. An avid bowler he played on various leagues through much of his life. He loved the Bruins especially during the Bobby Orr era. In his earlier days, he was a member of the Legion of Mary, Ray Stone Post American Legion, and was a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus. Retirement afforded him time to take up woodworking where he created all kinds of furniture including doll beds, hope chests, wine racks and more.

An active member of Saint Stephen's Church he was a familiar face and daily communicant. He was a Eucharistic Minister and served the home bound members of the parish with communion. For decades he would offer communion at area hospitals and the former Providence House. He lived his life following God's commandments with humility, compassion, faith and kindness.

In addition to his wife of 57 years, Betty who died July 8, 2015, he is predeceased by his siblings, Christine Jackson, George and Vincent Flanders and his dear friends, Francis Galvin, Ann Richards, Fr. John Broderick and Peter Piascik. May they rest in peace.

His legacy of love lives on in the hearts of his children, Kenneth F. Flanders of Reading, James M. Flanders and his wife, Nancy of Ravenna, Ohio, Thomas P. Flanders and his wife, Patricia of San Francisco, Patricia A. Stolz and her husband, Hank of Worcester, Mary E. Aicardi and her husband, Donald of Shrewsbury, Theresa M. Flanders of Kensington, Maryland and Ann M. Flanders – Doland and her wife, Jennifer of Worcester; his grandchildren, Crystal and Cat Flanders, Cindy Ursell, David, Michael and Tonya Flanders, Bethany Connolly, Pamela and Carolyn Stolz, Elizabeth, Donald and Anthony Aicardi; his great-grandchildren, Samantha, Emma

Lee, Steven, Liam and Luca; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and his 'church' family at St. Stephen's. Family was everything to Ken.

Family and friends will honor and remember Ken's life by gathering for calling hours at CALLAHAN~FAY~CASWELL Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle Street on Wednesday, July 19th from 5:00- 8:00 PM and again on Thursday morning before leaving in procession to Saint Stephen's Church, 357 Grafton Street, Worcester where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow in Saint John's Cemetery, Worcester.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Saint Stephen's Church, 357 Grafton Street, Worcester 01604.