With heartfelt sorrow, we announce the death of Kenneth S. Rand, age 76. He passed peacefully at his home with family and furry grandbabies by his side on October 7, 2024. Raised in Charleston, MA, he was the son of the late Margaret (Sprague) Sorrel and stepson of the late Dr. Sydney Sorrel. Formerly of Watertown and Somerville, MA, Kenneth is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Linda (Pasquariello) Rand; his two children Sharon (Rand) Italiane and her husband Sean of Lithia, Fl; and Brian Rand and his wife Danielle of Hertford, NC. Also lovingly survived by his grandsons, Andrew and Alexander Lamarche, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Kenneth was a retired U.S. veteran, a Master Sargent in the army, having served two tours in Vietnam and the Gulf War as part of Operation Desert Storm. He served honorably and was awarded numerous medals and honors, including the National Defense Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. He was a true patriot and lived his life helping others. Her was one of the founding fathers of the U.S. Vietnam Veterans Era (USVVE) organization established in Somerville, MA. Kenneth was also a member of many other civic organizations, including the Knights of Columbus, American Legion, VFW, and the Watertown Historical Society.
Kenneth worked as a Registered Nurse for over 30 years, in many state-run facilities including the Fernald Hospital and Metropolitan State Hospital. In later years, he worked for the Massachusetts Department of Public Health as a nursing home inspector.
We would like to thank the Veteran’s Administration Community Caregiver Program and the Cape Cod VNA Hospice team for helping us keep Kenneth home and comfortable.
Memorial services will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at Noon at the Bigelow Chapel, Mount Auburn Cemetery. The Entrance Gate for the chapel and cemetery is located at 580 Mount Auburn Street, Cambridge, MA 02138. Visitors may park on any road without a green line. Interment will follow the service at Mount Auburn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation of your choice at any one of the many organizations he so actively supported, including the Salvation Army, Wounded Warrior Project, and Tunnel2Towers.