Kenneth Page Levesque Sr

Kenneth Page Levesque Sr., affectionately known as "Old Man" to those closest to him, passed away surrounded by his family in the comfort of his home in Robinson, IL, on July 31, 2024. His 82 years exuded a passion and love for life that was as immense as the man's innate wisdom and intelligence. Ken's story began on June 25, 1942, in Salem, MA, where he grew up and would meet the love of his life, Joanne Boisvert. Their marriage spanned 62 wonderful years, a partnership that was founded on mutual devotion and respect. Joanne survives Ken, holding dear the memories they made as each other's first and forever loves.

His legacy is also carried on by his children & their spouses, Kenneth Page Levesque Jr., Sean Michael Levesque, Daniel Patrick & Deborah Levesque, Melissa & William Langley, and Michelle & Bryan Hancock. They will undoubtedly remember him as a cornerstone of their lives. Ken was the proud patriarch of twelve grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren (with four more to join the family soon) and is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Though he was preceded in death by his parents, Walter & Catherine Levesque, and siblings, Joanne Healey, Walter Levesque, Jr., Dennis Levesque, Dorothy Conrad, Carol Murtaugh, and Kathy Urbanowicz, the stories and values he shared will continue to resonate with all who knew him.

Before Ken became a cherished friend and family man, he proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1961 to 1963. Following his military service, Ken's career path led him from a leather company in Massachusetts to a position with the City of Salem as a trash man. Eventually, he found his niche with Boston Gas, where he started as a backhoe operator and worked his way up to foreman before retiring at the age of 62 in 2004.

Kenny's passions extended beyond his work. A true outdoorsman, he found solace and adventure in hunting and fishing with his sons and buddies from work. He was the mastermind behind an annual men's canoe trip on the Sacco River, an event that epitomized his love for camaraderie and the great outdoors. Cooking was another of Ken's joys, and his family eagerly anticipated the Sunday dinners he prepared each week and the holiday feasts he poured himself into every year - meals that were legendary in family circles. Ken's intellect and curiosity shone brightly in his love of books and history and in his uncanny ability to recall a plethora of "useless" information that often came in handy during his favorite game show, Jeopardy. His humorous t-shirt collection was a source of laughter and light-heartedness, reflecting his straightforward and witty personality.

In retirement, Ken enjoyed spending time at his favorite spot, The Anchor Pub & Grille, a watering hole in Beverly, MA, where he could often be found sharing stories and insight with friends. As his grandchildren grew, Kenny relished playing with them, listening to their stories, and imparting the wisdom he had accumulated over the years. He was a source of unconditional love, showing his family time and again that nothing could diminish the love he had for them. In the twilight of his life, he also showed them how to fight with guts and courage by striving to maintain strength of mind and spirit as his body began to fail him.

Kenneth Levesque Sr. will be remembered as a man who was passionate about everything he set his mind to - a whole-hearted kind of man. His intelligence, zeal, and devotion echoed in every facet of his life, leaving an indelible mark on those he loved. So, as we bid farewell to Ken, we celebrate a life well-lived, a life that will continue to inspire and guide us in the years to come.

It was his wish to be cremated, and the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson is in charge of these arrangements. His family will conduct a memorial in Massachusetts at a later date.