Kenneth Gerard Fettig

Kenneth Gerard Fettig, age 95, passed away on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at his home in Walpole, Massachusetts. Born in Boston, Massachusetts on April 15, 1930, he was the son of Francis Anthony and Alice Beulah (Matthews) Fettig. During Ken's early years, the Fettig family lived in the West Roxbury neighborhood of Boston before moving to Newton, Massachusetts, where Ken was primarily raised. As a young boy Ken developed a profound passion for America's greatest pastime- baseball. His life revolved around the sport; watching, playing, and thinking about baseball as often as he could. When he got to Newton High School, he quickly made the team and played every season until his graduation with the class of 1947.

Ken continued his education at Tufts University in Boston, where he studied engineering. In addition to his studies, he made sure to be available to for other activities. He was inducted as a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity and he also played baseball for the school, including during their competition for the 1950 NCAA Championship title. During the summers between semesters, Ken and his brother Frank played for the Cape Cod Baseball League, meeting other collegiate players and future all stars. Ken graduated from Tufts with the class of 1952 with a bachelor's degree and just one year later enlisted in the Army Corps of Engineers, ready to serve his country. He was mainly stationed at Fort Belvoir in Virginia where, of course, he played baseball with his brothers in arms whenever they had free time. Ken was honorably discharged in 1955 with a rank of Specialist. Upon his return home Ken enrolled at Harvard Business School, receiving his Master of Business Administration in 1957. Still eager to learn, Ken then enrolled at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, receiving a master’s degree in engineering in 1958.

In 1958 Ken accepted a manufacturing engineer position with M & C Nuclear, Inc, based out of Attleboro, Massachusetts. He later accepted a similar position with Texas Instruments in 1961, prompting a move to Dallas, Texas. 1961 was a very big year for Ken, as it was also when he married the love of his life, Virginia M. (MacLellan) Fettig, on February 11, 1961, at Saint Theresa's Church in West Roxbury. The young couple made their home in Texas until Ken was able to transfer to a position within the company back in Massachusetts. Ken and Virginia briefly made their home in Mansfield, Massachusetts before settling into a home in Medfield, Massachusetts. During this time Ken held a variety of jobs, working for RF Simmons in Attleboro, as well as Peat, Marwick, Livingston, & Co. and Bale Pin, both in Boston. In 1972, Ken struck out on his own, forming Cornell Concepts with his partner Bob Cornell. The company produced desk accessories and offered business customization and specialty advertising products. Ken proudly owned and operated the company until his retirement in 1991.

In 1976 Ken and Virginia moved to Walpole, Massachusetts, where they would raise their family. Ken became very involved with his new community and would remain so for the rest of his life. His spiritual home was at the Blessed Sacrament Church in town, where he served as lector for many years. He served on the Economic Development Commission and has been an active member of the town's Water and Sewer Commission since 2006. Together with Virginia, Ken was a benefactor to the Walpole Public Library Endowment, helping to ensure the library's future stability and ability to provide quality resources and services to the community.

Ken was an exemplary and caring human being, who lived life as a notable example for all to follow. In addition to the wonderful ways he helped his Walpole community, Ken gave back in other ways. Inspired by a colleague, he coached Little League in the neighboring town of Norwood. He also served as a Trustee of Lincoln Savings Bank based in Boston. Ken also gave back to his alma mater, helping to start a chapter of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Tufts, where adult learners over age 50 can engage their minds and foster community and well-being.

In his free time, Ken kept active. Baseball was not the only sport he loved - he also enjoyed skiing, golfing, tennis, softball, and running, especially if he was joined by his wife. He was a founding member of the Medfield Fitness Association, a local running club. Members would meet three days a week before work to run a few miles together, encouraging each other to go the distance. Ken was also a member of the Walpole Country Club, beginning back when it was at Royal Crest! Winters were for skiing, and Ken was a founding member of the Campton Hollow Ski Club, traveling to New Hampshire with friends and colleagues for snow-filled retreats.

Ken was a proud veteran and member of the American Legion. He lived a well-rounded life, with many interests, which led to him being a wonderful storyteller with a great sense of humor.

"Miss you Skip!"

Beloved husband of the late Virginia M. (MacLellan) Fettig.

Loving father of John K. Fettig of Walpole, Joanne E. Woods and her husband Scott of Walpole, and the late Anne Fettig.

Cherished grandfather of Ian Doe, Bailey Woods, and Riley Woods.

Brother of the late Francis Anthony "Frank" Fettig Jr. and his late wife Ann.

Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Ken's Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, May 6th, 2025, that will be celebrated in Blessed Sacrament Church, 10 Diamond Street, at 11:00 AM. Interment will take place privately at Saint Joseph's Cemetery in West Roxbury.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Ken's name may be made to the Walpole Public Library at 143 School St. Walpole, MA 02081

Arrangements by James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, Walpole.