Kenneth Kido – 89, of North Reading, died on Friday, April 16, 2021 at Bear Hill Nursing Home in Stoneham.
Born in Los Angeles, CA on October 23,1931 he was the son of the late Toshio and Sarah Kido. He lived in Los Angeles until he and his family was moved to the Poston Arizona Internment Camp for Japanese Americans during World War II. After the war, the family relocated to Kansas City, Missouri. He was drafted by the Army and served overseas in the Korean War, where he received two Bronze Stars.
After he returned from the war, he attended University of Missouri and studied electrical engineering. He worked as an electrical engineer in the Aerospace industry. He worked for AC Spark Plug General Motors, MIT Instrumentation Lab, and Draper Lab.
He was an Avid golfer, enthusiast of Boston sports teams and enjoyed playing bridge. He also played in a bowling league for many years. He loved to watch his children play sports, his daughter, Tami, playing soccer and basketball and his son, Chris, playing soccer and hockey. He has been a resident of North Reading since 1968.
Ken overcame incredible hardships after spending several years of his childhood in the WWII Japanese Internment camps and spending several years overseas in the Army during the Korean War. He was incredibly smart and made tremendous contributions to NASA through his work at MIT Instrumentation Lab and Draper Lab, where he worked on the guidance systems for the Apollo program and Space Shuttle program for over 25 years.
Family members include his son Christopher Kido, his daughter Tamiko Kido; his late sister Jean Yaeko Marshall; 4 grandchildren, Addison Kido, Andrew Kido, Maiya Levine and Samantha Levine. He was the former husband of Susan Burton (Ulson).
Graveside services will be held on Wednesday April 28 at 1:00 PM in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading. Arrangements are by the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. www.croswellfuneralhome.com
Kenneth, I must have known you at one point because I too worked at MIT Instrumentation Lab and Draper. So sorry to hear of your passing. My maiden name was Danielle Powers.
A fellow MIT Instrumentation Lab and Draper worker. I never worked directly with Ken, but have some great memories of him over the years. A true Gentleman in every sense of the word who had every right to harbor ill will against this country. Not so! Ken was a patriot all the way. RIP my friend.
Chris, great obituary. Sorry for you and your family’s loss. He loved his family very much and was very proud of you and your sister.
Ken was a neighbor of mine. He was the nicest man. Well written story of Ken’ s life.
Chris and Tami, I am very sorry for your loss. Your dad was always there at our youth sports games cheering you (and us) on. You and your loved ones are in my thoughts and prayers. XO Chrissie (Butler) Moynihan
Your family is in our thoughts. Love, Lynne & Rich Murphy
Chris and Tami sending our love and prayers your way. See you soon. Dee and Family
Mr. Keto was a wonderful gentleman. We met him through soccer when our kids were young, and then met him numerous times later in at CVS, of all places! Always the kind soft spoken man – reading his obituary we never knew his courageous battles in life! Very impressive! Our sincere condolences to Chris and his family! You should be very proud of your dad! Barb and Mike Celata