James Kenneth “Ken” Mackinaw of East Bridgewater, MA died unexpectedly on Saturday, August 19th, 2023, at the age of 78. Ken is survived by his loving wife Catherine A. Mackinaw, to whom he recently celebrated 56 years of marriage.
Born in Brockton, MA on November 28, 1944, he was a loving son and brother. He was preceded in death by his parents James E. and Marion B. (Campbell) Mackinaw of East Bridgewater, MA and by his brother Philip J. Mackinaw who is survived by his wife Natalie of Bridgewater, MA.
Ken grew up in Brockton and was a 1962 graduate of Brockton High School, while in high school he met Catherine, the love of his life and his future wife. Together, they raised their family of seven children in Brockton. When their children were grown, they moved to Middleboro for a short period of time until relocating to their home in East Bridgewater where they’ve lived for the past 10 years.
An electrical engineer by trade, Ken spent most of his career working for the Foxboro Company. Toward the end of his career Ken followed his lifelong dream and went into business for himself by establishing Gennaco’s Deli & Catering in Brewster, MA. In his pre-retirement years Ken worked seasonally at Captains Golf Course in Brewster where he enjoyed the early morning hours and the comradery of friends.
Friendship was an important part of Ken’s life. He was blessed to have a close group of lifelong friends and together they always found time for each other which was often enjoyed at the Cape Cod Café.
Ken was the ultimate patriarch, he always put his family above all else. His children and grandchildren were the center of his life and provided him with endless joy and love, they were his passion. He also enjoyed visits to his vacation home in Brewster where he spent his final days surrounded by family, and he relished his short, intimate trips to the White Mountains of New Hampshire with his wife, Catherine.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his seven devoted children: Shawn P. Mackinaw and his wife Marcella of Bridgewater, MA, Brian E. Mackinaw and his wife Mary Beth of East Bridgewater, MA, Stephanie A. Fuller and her husband William of Lakeville, MA, Christopher M. Mackinaw and his wife Jeanine of Halifax, MA, Jennifer L. Olivieri and her husband Kenneth of Lakeville, MA, James B. Mackinaw and his wife Marianne of Mansfield, MA, and Colin M. Mackinaw and his wife Jessica of Middleboro, MA.
He is also survived by his twenty loving grandchildren: Abigail and Declan Mackinaw; Morgan, William, Olivia, Sadie and Harrison Fuller; Kendall, Mackenzie, and Ronan Mackinaw; Kenneth, Vincent, Sofia, and Luciana Olivieri; James, Annabelle, Eliza and Joseph Mackinaw; and Timothy Aronne and Benjamin Mackinaw.
Visiting hours will be held in the Conley Funeral Home 138 Belmont St. (rte. 123) Brockton on Friday August 25, 2023 from 4-7pm. All are invited to his Funeral Mass on Saturday at 9 am in St. John Church 210 Central St., East Bridgewater.
In lieu of flowers the family invites you to donate to the National MS Society, a cause that is near to his and our family’s heart https://mssociety.donordrive.com/campaign/J--Kenneth-Mackinaw-Memorial or to the charity of your choice.