Kenneth J. McDonell

Ware – Kenneth J. McDonell, 77, of Ware, passed away on Monday, February 20, 2023 at home after a brief battle with cancer. He was born to the late Fredrick McDonell and Doris (Schimmel) Monroe in Utica, NY, on May 14, 1945.

Ken will be deeply missed by his loving wife of 47 years, Ann Marie (Dygon) McDonell. He also leaves behind his awesome children, Kelly (Jason), Kevin (Sabrina), Kimberly, Keith (Jenafer), Jason and Cory. Broken hearted by his loss are his grandchildren, Tyler (Nikki), Emily, Lindsay, Caitlyn, Alexia, Kolby, Connor, Becca, Savanna, McKenzie, Averie, his little "pocket doll" great-granddaughter, Ahria and his sister Betty Morris of North Carolina. Last, but not at all the least, he leaves his spoiled pomeranian Holly.

He grew up in New York before being drafted and spending 6 years as a mechanic in the Army, serving in Vietnam. Which is ironic, because upon his stateside return the most mechanical thing he could do was hold the flashlight, while handing tools to Mom as she fixed the cars, the house and assembled all our toys. When his military time was up, he made his way to Chicopee. There he met his blushing bride and began his family, before finally settling down in Ware. Ken had worked at Koegle's Machine Shop in Holyoke for 20 years until his arthritis finally sent him home. 

Ken loved the Yankees and was just an avid sports fan in general. A few radios and a TV or two have been thrown back in the day, over a bad play, call or loss. He could always be found either listening to sports talk radio or jazz music on the headphones around his neck. Bird watching became another favorite pastime, especially the hummingbirds. Hours were spent sitting on the porch watching them.

His family was his whole world, and now a large piece of our world will be missing forever. He was one heck of a husband, father and Papa.

Charbonneau Funeral Home, 30 Pleasant St., in Ware is assisting the family with arrangements.

An online guest book is available at charbonneaufuneralhome.com 

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