Kenneth F. Koon, 84, of Danvers, died Friday morning, December 7, 2012 in the Kaplan Family Hospice House. He was the loving husband of Catherine “Katie” (Koerner) Koon, with whom he shared 61 years of marriage.
Born in Wheeling, WV on Nov. 13, 1928, he was the son of the late William and Anna (James) Koon. He was raised and educated in Wheeling and was valedictorian of the Wheeling High School Class of 1947. He went on to graduate from Purdue University and later earned a master’s degree from Xavier University in Cincinnati.
Ken was an Air Force veteran of the Korean War, who piloted 38 missions over South Korea during his time in the service.
An engineer for GE for many years, Ken was instrumental in the design of the engine for the Black Hawk Helicopter. After his retirement from GE, Ken worked as a realtor with Del Reality for ten years.
A longtime member and elder of the Melrose Church of Christ, Ken had been a Danvers resident since 1968. Always willing to volunteer his time and skills, he served on the boards of directors of the VNA of the North Shore and North Shore Elder Services. He was a past president of the Friends of the Danvers Council on Aging and of the Danvers Kiwanis Club.
An avid bowler and golfer, he had the distinction of hitting three holes-in-one and was a member at the Ferncroft Country Club.
In addition to his beloved wife, he leaves two daughters, Kathy DeLorenzo and John Macalone of Danvers and Karen Ryan-Rheault of Danvers, two grandsons, Brent Rheault of Danvers and Air Force SSgt. Brian Rheault of SC, a great-grandson, Nicklas Rheault, a brother-in-law, Ronald Kasserman and his wife Jean of Alabama, and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his loving grandson, Nicklas DeLorenzo, and two sons-in-law, Anthony DeLorenzo and Daniel Ryan.
His Funeral Service will be Wednesday, December 12, 2012 at 10AM in the Melrose Church of Christ, 409 Upham St., Melrose. Burial will follow in Wadsworth Cemetery, Danvers. Relatives and friends are invited. Visiting hours are Tuesday from 4-8PM in C.R. Lyons & Sons, Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., Danvers Square. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Friends of the Danvers Council on Aging, 25 Stone St., Danvers, MA 01923, or the Nicklas DeLorenzo Memorial Fund, c/o Salem Five Bank, 85 High St., Danvers, MA 01923.