Kenneth R. Stafford, 88, of Frederickson Avenue, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, June 21, 2011 with his wife of 66 years, Maureen I. (Cox) Stafford by his side.

He also leaves three sons, Roger K. Stafford of Holden, Keith T. Stafford and his wife Dale of Princeton and Mark P. Stafford of Lancaster; a daughter, Wendy M. Stafford of Rutland; four grandchildren, Sean K. Stafford, Leslie A. Pude and her husband Mark, Timothy J. and Matthew L. Stafford; two sisters, Virginia Stafford of Somerville and Joan Florentine of Pocassett; and nephews and nieces. He was born in Worcester, the son of Walter S. and Marie A. (Aubuchont) Stafford, and has lived in Holden for over 50 years.

Kenneth attended Harvard College and graduated from Boston University with a degree in chemistry. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Mount McKinley during World War II in the Asiatic Pacific Theatre; and was also a veteran of the Korean conflict, discharging as a Lieutenant Commander.

He was an engineer at Norton Co. in Worcester for over 30 years, retiring in 1982. He was a member of Chaffin Congregational Church, the Eliot-Hyde Park Masonic Lodge now the Celestial Lodge in Westwood, the Greendale Retired Men’s Club and was an avid stamp collector.

Kenneth’s family would like to extend their appreciation to the loving care shown to them from Claire and June of UMass Memorial Home Health & Hospice.

A graveside service will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, June 24th, at Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton, followed by a memorial service at 2 p.m. in Chaffin Congregational Church, 155 Shrewsbury St., Holden. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations may be made to the Chaffin Congregational Church, 155 Shrewsbury St., Holden, MA 01520; or UMass Memorial Home Health & Hospice, 650 Lincoln St., Worcester, MA 01605. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden.