Kenneth Wellsley Nunan, Jr. – 76, passed away at his home on October 28, in Billerica, Massachusetts after battling brain cancer.
Ken was born December 19, 1943 to Marion and Kenneth Nunan Sr. in Georgetown, MA. After graduating from New Rochelle High School in New York, Ken joined the Air Force as a member of the Air Police. He continued on to a successful career as a professional truck driver.
Ken married Mary Kelliher on October 6, 1972 and raised their son, Mark, in Billerica. Ken was a devoted husband of 48 years, loving father, and amazing grandfather. Ken adored his two grandchildren and enjoyed building with blocks, flying kites, searching for shells at the beach, watching them play sports, and any other activity they would dream up. Whenever the weather permitted, Ken and Mary would be kayaking and biking rail trails somewhere in New England or be on a road trip with the kayaks on the roof and bikes in the backseat. Ken followed New England sports teams with passion and would annually attend a December Patriots game, Red Sox games, and Bruins games with Mary. Thursday mornings, Ken would often be found playing horseshoes at the Billerica Council on Aging. In most recent years, Ken and Mary would travel abroad exploring different countries each year. Drawing and painting became hobbies as well once he retired. He was always willing to lend a helping hand and drive anybody, anywhere at any time. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all who knew him.
Ken was the beloved husband of Mary (Kelliher) Nunan. He was the loving father of Mark Nunan and his wife Tara of Billerica. Proud grandfather to Kiley and Owen Nunan. Ken was predeceased by his sister, Bettyann Dole. Brother to George Nunan, Donnie and his wife Joyce Nunan, MeriEllen and her husband Tom Lazdowski, William and his wife Theresa Nunan, and Donna and her husband Eric Robbins. Brother-in-law to the late Nancy Kelliher, Diane and Roy Crowell, Anne and her late husband Tom Richer, Donna Kelliher, Charles and Rhonda Kelliher. Uncle to many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are warmly invited to his visitation on Sunday, November 1st from 4 to 7 pm at Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading, Massachusetts 01864. A funeral mass will be held on Monday, November 2 at 11:00 am at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter Street (Rt. 62), North Reading, followed by graveside service at the Harmony Cemetery in Georgetown, Massachusetts. Due to COVID we will have a celebration of life in Ken’s honor on a future date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in his name to the Billerica Council on Aging, 25 Concord Road, Billerica, MA 01821. www.croswellfuneralhome.com
Thinking of you, Mark and your family, with this tremendous loss!
This is a lovely tribute to your wonderful father and the beautiful life he lived. I know he will be missed, but wish you peace knowing that he is no longer suffering.
~ Mandi Imasogie
Praying for you Mary and your family may he Rest In Peace! Love ya
Lucy
Mary and all the Nunan clan. My heart goes out to you all. Kenny Jr. was one of four wonderful big (surrogate) brothers to me from age 7 and growing up. You were a good man and wonderful person. I am grateful to have had you in my life. I will always remember your term of “endearment”. From one “Brat” to another, rest well good and faithful servant. And send my love to Auntie Marion and Uncle Ken and Bettyann. XO
I cannot write about Kenny without including Mary. They were a couple who made the most of life enjoying travel, sports ,kayaking, and socializing without forgetting family and friends in need of care and support. I am a very grateful beneficiary of their endless kindness and encouragement. Kenny tackled any household problem I had and took me to many medical appointments. Along with Mary, Kenny was responsible for the progress I have made in my recovery. Kenny brightened my life beyond measure.
I will always remember Kenny with love and gratitude.