Peabody - Kenneth E. Burkinshaw 87, beloved husband of Olive (Gainley) Burkinshaw, died unexpectedly on Sunday, April 2, 2023, at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston.

Born in Salem, he was the son of the late Charles and Gertrude (Coffin) Burkinshaw. He received his education in the Salem school system and graduated from Peabody High School.

As an honorably discharged veteran, he proudly served his country during the Korean Conflict as a member of the United States Navy.

Mr. Burkinshaw dedicated thirty-two years of his life as a firefighter for the City of Peabody. At the time of his retirement, he served at the Engine 5 Station. He enjoyed the camaraderie he shared with his fellow firefighters. To Ken, being a firefighter was more than a job. It was one of his greatest passions.

A resident of Peabody for most of his life, he was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend who will be missed by all who knew him. Ken enjoyed all things nature and outdoors: hunting, fishing, boating, birdwatching, gardening, but most of all— spending time with his family. They spent their summers at Totem Pole Park on Ossipee Lake in Freedom, New Hampshire, where Ken loved to swim with his grandchildren and go for long rides down the Kancamangus Highway.

In addition to his loving wife with whom he shared sixty-two years of marriage, he is survived by three daughters, Jean Kelley and her husband, Jeff of Peabody, Karen Fuls and her partner, John Silva of Beverly and Linda Kiricoples and her husband, Paul of Peabody, four grandchildren, Ryan Kelley and his wife, Ali, Patrick Kelley and his fiance, Alisha, Olivia Kiricoples and Amber Kiricoples, a sister, Maryann D'Ambrosio of Reading and several nieces and nephews. He was also the grandfather of the late Jeffrey Paul Kelley Jr. and brother of the late Frances Maurice, Eleanor Ouellette, Evelyn Lobao, Margaret Burkinshaw, Theresa Martin and Edward Burkinshaw.

ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to gather for a service at the Conway Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody, Friday, April 7, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Peabody. Visiting hours are on Thursday, April 6th from 4:00 to 8:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to Firefighters Relief Association, 47 Lowell St., Peabody, MA 01960. For directions and online guestbook please visit www.ccbfuneral.com.