E. Kenneth Matel, 86, of Stuart, Fla., formerly of Brewster, Mass., passed away peacefully on April 25. For the past two years Ken was cared for by his son and daughter in his room overlooking the Damariscotta River.
Ken was born and raised in Medford, Mass. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy. He graduated from Tufts University and went on to begin a career at IBM in Boston, Mass. Over his 30 years with IBM, Ken, his wife, and four children lived in Pennsylvania, New York, Michigan, New Jersey, and Virginia before settling on Cape Cod, where Ken spent the beginning of his retirement. He eventually moved to sunny Stuart, Fla., for the remainder of his retirement. He recently relocated to Damariscotta to be closer to his son and daughter and his two grandsons.
Throughout his life, Ken loved being near the ocean, especially Cape Cod Bay and the marinas in Florida. He enjoyed a good laugh and social life, sailing, playing tennis, playing poker, and volunteering in different capacities.
Ken is predeceased by his father, Emil Matel; mother, Valentine
Wolinski Matel; and older sisters, Irene M. Maderias, and Isabel M.
Tabb.
Ken is survived by daughters, Katherine Kirkbride, and Elizabeth Kenney; sons, James Matel and Jonathan Matel; grandchildren, Kelly Kirkbride, John Kirkbride, Seward Matel, Teddy Matel, Sam Matel, and Max Matel; and former wife, Helen H. Matel.
A private family service will be held for him on Cape Cod.
Condolences and messages for the family may be expressed by visiting www.hallfuneralhomes.com.
Hall Funeral Home, 949 Main St., Waldoboro, is caring for the family.
