Kenneth R. Martin, 84, passed away on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. He was the beloved husband of Barbara Clements for more than 40 years.
Born in Providence on Sept. 25, 1939, Ken was the son of the late Thomas L. and Catherine M. (Conway) Martin, who had moved to Rhode Island from Nova Scotia. He grew up in Washington Park as one of 11 siblings, and is survived by a sister, Dorothy Saglio.
At age 17, Ken enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was sent to South Korea, where he served with the 5th Motor Transport Squadron in the years after the Korean War. Following his discharge he became a sheet metal worker. He was employed at the Rhode Island Ventilating Co. for over 50 years until his retirement at age 79, specializing in the installation of industrial-size heating and air conditioning units.
Ken loved spending time with his large extended family, gathering with relatives every Christmas and Fourth of July. He was an avid softball player and golfer, and also enjoyed playing card games. After retirement he spent most of his time with Barbara and their dog, Luna, along with other loved ones.
In addition to his wife and sister, Ken is survived by his son, Thomas Martin, and his wife, Ellen, of Warwick; his daughter, Karen Kalunian, and her husband, Keith, also of Warwick; his stepchildren Lynda Pastore, Judith Tetreault, Robert Clements, and John Clements, and their families; his grandchildren Edward Martin, Celina DaSilva and Kimberly Kalunian, and their spouses; three great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Visitation has been respectfully omitted. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Ken's memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association (alz.org).
