Kenneth R. Ring Jr., 88, of Reading, passed away on November 16th after a long illness. Ken was born In Salem, MA to Kenneth R. Ring Sr. and Marguerite (Hendricks) Ring. He graduated from Salem High School, and Merrimack College, where he met his beloved wife, Janet (Buckley) Ring of 64 years. After a year in the U.S. Army, Ken began his career at John Hancock, retiring as Second Vice President I998.

Ken and Janet raised their family in Peabody across the street from Janet’s brother Ray and her sister-in-law Dorothy Buckley and their five children, who were their offspring’s closest childhood friends. The annual Christmas Eve party that Ken (Santa) and Janet hosted for more than half a century included over 70 family members from both sides in the early days, including all of the Buckley, Griffin, Howland, and Ring cousins. In recent years, the event has evolved into a more intimate gathering with the Browns, Hamiltons, and Thorntons.

As a young professional and father, Ken was involved in the Jaycees, scouting, St. John’s Parish Council and President’s Council at Merrimack College. He enjoyed bowling, cribbage, golf, horse-shoes, and pool with his family as his health allowed. Summer vacations were spent on Northwood Lake in New Hampshire and during his early retirement, winters in Englewood, Florida.

In addition to his wife Janet, Ken leaves his daughters Susan Ring Brown (Jim Brown) and Beth Thornton (John Thornton); his son Ken Ring (Amy Prisco Ring); grandchildren Tyler and Cameron Thornton, and Bianca and Lydia Ring; and step-grandchildren Jim Brown, Melissa Gallardo and Maryellen (Bill) Hamilton and their families. Ken is survived by his brother Robert Ring (Carol) and sister Judy Howland (Gene) and many nieces and nephews. His grand-dog and loyal companion Chewie brought Ken great comfort and joy in his final years.

Family was always Ken’s priority and focus. He and Janet were a great support to their children throughout their lives, and honored their own mothers by setting up a scholarship fund at Merrimack College in honor of the sacrifices they made to ensure they each received a college education.

Janet, Ken’s primary caregiver, would like to thank his many medical providers, and particularly Dr. O’Neil Callahan and his visiting nurse Joan DiNapoli for their years of care and support. Ken’s family will be forever grateful for the loving comfort shown to us by the staff at the Kaplan Family Hospice.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 22 from 11:00 AM until 12:30 PM followed by his Funeral Service at 12:30 PM at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St, Peabody to which relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery, Salem. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in his name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org