Kenneth O. Hungerford

Kenneth O. Hungerford, 94, of West Hartford, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 23, 2024. Born in Hartford on January 9, 1930, the son of Herbert E. and Doris (Emmons) Hungerford. Ken’s family moved to West Hartford where he attended Sedgwick Junior High, then enrolled in Mount Hermon Prep School, and graduated from Hall High School in 1949. During his school years he was a member of various athletic teams including soccer and his beloved baseball. Ken attended the University of Alabama, but his plans changed when he was drafted, proudly serving his country as a member of the US Army during the Korean War rising to the rank of Sergeant. Prior to going overseas he married his high school sweetheart, Claire Bolan. Upon being discharged he continued his education in accounting and spent a large part of his career at Phoenix Insurance as an accountant/auditor. Eventually he transitioned to the educational field, working at Briarwood College, finally retiring as the business manager from Northwest Catholic. Ken was very active in the WH Community for over 60 years including town sports (soccer, basketball, and baseball), the Squires Men’s group, American Legion (served as Commander), VFW, Knights of Columbus, St. Thomas Church (Choir, CCD Teacher, and Usher), Hartford Choral Club, and Junior Achievement. He established many lifelong friends that continued to enrich his life to the end. He was one of the founders of the WH Town Boys’ Soccer league. Baseball was his greatest passion. He coached WH Youth Baseball for 50 years (1958 to 2008) and supported the organization as Treasurer, Equipment/Uniforms Manager, and Concessions Manager. Ken also coached or managed the American Legion Baseball Team from 1985 to 1992. One of his greatest achievements in life was coaching the Knights of Columbus Baseball Team for 47 of his 50 years of coaching. Ken was the recipient of many honors and awards for his tireless dedication to WH and the organizations in which he held leadership roles. You can still support the Annual Ken Hungerford Youth Invitational Baseball Tournament held each summer (30th in 2024). In his minimal leisure time, he enjoyed watching his grandchildren participate in sports, reading history books, bowling, and volunteering whenever he was asked. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 56 years Claire B. Hungerford. Ken came from a family of seven boys and two girls. To even things out, Ken and Claire had seven girls and one boy. Ken leaves his devoted eight children: Gail (Jerry) Gavalis of Gastonia NC; Laura Hungerford of Norwich CT; Joyce (Kenneth) Halkin of Kingston NH; Karen (Mark) Bemis of San Antonio TX; Nancy (Kristian) Jensen of Rye NH; Holly (Stephen) Martino of Plainville CT; James (Susan) Hungerford of West Hartford; and Andrea (Joseph) Jednorowicz of West Hartford. Ken has 14 proud grandchildren: Garrett Gavalis; Travis Gavalis; Thomas Halkin; Katharine Asay; Jennifer Stevens; Heather Bemis; Kelly Jensen; Susan Jensen; Alyssa Murphy; Carly DeBarba; Stephanie Wachtelhausen; Cierra Muchin; Andrew Hungerford; and Amanda Hungerford. He has six great grandchildren. Ken’s many nieces and nephews from around the country will remember his jokes and his love of good times. He truly enjoyed their company at family parties and events. As many may remember, Claire resided at Saint Mary Home for ten years where Ken faithfully visited and helped wherever needed. Ken also resided at St. Mary Home in the Francis Ward Towers and finally in Skilled Nursing. The family wants to thank the loving staff at St. Mary Home who took such great care of both of them. Calling hours for Ken will be held from 4:00 to 8:00 PM on Thursday, May 30th at the Molloy Funeral Home on 906 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford CT. A Celebration of Ken’s Life will be at 10:00 on Friday, May 31st at St. Thomas the Apostle Church. 872 Farmington Avenue, West Harford CT. Burial with military honors will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers donations in Ken’s memory may be made to WH Youth Baseball at PO Box 270186, WH CT 06127 or the Title IX Scholarship Fund supporting Conard and Hall High School athletes to Hall High School Athletics, C/O Maryanne Seguro, Athletic Office, Hall High School, 957 North Main Street, West Hartford, CT 06117. Live Stream Link https://youtube.com/live/VhfXf9kcewE?feature=share