Kenneth P. Worcester

Kenneth P. Worcester, Age 99, Died on May 26th, 2024 in Scottsdale, AZ.  Ken was Born in Cortaro, Az on April 29th, 1925.

He was married in Utica, New York to Alice Rita Prucker on August 10th, 1950, following a courtship that began as just a catholic girl writing letters to a catholic boy in the service.  A romance through the mail began which lead to a 58 year marriage, it ended at the time of Alice’s death in January of 2008.

Ken was the youngest of 5 children, born to Herbert Franklin Worcester and Phoebe Marie (Sheridan) Worcester. As a youth he attended St. Peter and Paul Catholic School in Tuscon.

Ken was called up for service during World War II, he joined the Army Air Force, trained as a navigator and became an officer.  Just as his squad was called up to go overseas the war ended cancelling their orders overseas.

On his return to civilian life, Ken got a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering at the University of Arizona.  His early career led him to spend time in Baltimore and New York, but by the late 1950’s the family had settled permanently in Metropolitan Phoenix.  Ken worked for over 50 years in the aerospace industry for Air Research/Honeywell.  At the time of his retirement, he joined the retirees club for Air Research/Honeywell employees and attended many of their annual functions.

Ken was always an active man, in the early years and until all the kids had grown, ken would take the kids out for many hikes in the mountains or the desert.  Along the way he would always point out interesting facts, or historical stories about an area.  The family always took a summer vacation, which included a road trip somewhere from California to New York.  The trips always included fun activities and attractions to visit.  In addition, Ken loved to read, he especially loved Western sagas, John Grisham and James Patterson novels.  Ken was an active member of St. Daniel’s Parish for over 60 years.  Ken was a man of principle who lived his life exemplifying his love of God, his love of family, and his deep belief in taking personal responsibility and accountability.  He made friends everywhere he went, and he will be sorely missed by many.

Ken is preceded in death by both his parents, all of his siblings, his wife Alice, his granddaughter Chelsea Worcester, and great grandson Flynn Cummings.

He is survived by his children Barbara Worcester, Michael Worcester, Carol Cummings, Donald Worcester, Thomas Worcester, Kathleen Fischer; also 21 grandchildren and 38 great grandchildren.

Funeral Services for Ken are being held on June 9th, 2024 at 10:00 AM.at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home – 4800 East Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ  85018.