Kenneth Joseph Beck, 80, formerly of Boston, passed away on Monday, August 5, 2024, under the loving care of Phillips Manor Nursing Home in Lynn, MA. He was the beloved son of the late Joseph and Cecile (Guy) Beck.
Ken was born in Salem, MA, and dedicated over 60 years to his craft as a painter. A distinguished artist, he was a prominent figure in the Boston art scene for decades, earning the admiration and respect of curators, critics, collectors, artists, and students alike. He shared his passion and expertise through teaching at Lesley University College of Art and Design (formerly The Art Institute of Boston) for 25 years.
Beyond his artistic accomplishments, Ken was known for his intellectual curiosity and vibrant personality. He held a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Goddard College, a Doctorate in Anthropology from Union College, and a Master of Fine Arts from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University. He furthered his studies at the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture and the Cape School of Art in Provincetown, MA.
Ken served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Philippines, where he taught English to children and adults. He also worked for the consulting firm Arthur D. Little in Cambridge, MA, where he traveled across the United States, consulting on organizational behavior for numerous Fortune 500 companies.
Ken's love for travel took him across Canada, down the Nile River in Egypt, and to China, always finding time to paint during his journeys. His artwork is cherished by many individual and corporate collectors throughout the United States and Europe.
Ken is survived by his loving sisters, Karen Kapsourakis and her husband Nickolas of Salem, MA, and Cynthia Jordan and her husband Larry of Beverly, MA. He was deeply loved and respected by his many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. His art and his gentle soul touched so many people.
Calling hours at the Levesque Funeral Home, 163 Lafayette St. [Route 114 / 1-A] Salem will be on Friday, August 9, 2024 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. His funeral service will be, in the funeral home, at 11:00 AM on Saturday, Aug. 10th, followed by burial in St. Mary Cemetery, Salem. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a memorial contribution to alz.org/donate. For guestbook and to send a condolence, please visit www.LevesqueFunerals.com