Kenneth E. Chad

Kenneth Edward Chad, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend to all who were lucky enough to know him, passed away on April 11, 2026. He was 88 years old and lived a life that was, by every measure, full.

Ken grew up in Cherry Valley and graduated from Leicester High School with the class of 1955. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward Chad and Wanda Chad (Stefanski), his sister Jane Jakubowski, his brother Ronald Chad and nephew Roy Chad.

At the center of Ken's life was the love he had for his family. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 58 years, Theresa Chad (Grigas). Together they shared a home in Worcester and Eastham, building a life that was warm, loving and adventurous. He is also survived by his son Stephen Chad and wife Kathryn Toomey of Worcester and his daughter Deborah Chad and husband Tony Gahan of Sutton, Massachusetts.

Ken had a calm and steady demeanor that made him one of those rare people who was simply easy to be around, especially in the hard moments when that quality matters most. He had a way of making the people around him feel heard and at ease, never rattled and never rushed. It is no surprise that Theresa, Stephen and Deborah would each tell you that beyond being a devoted husband and father, Ken was also their best friend.

Ken built a long and respected career in X-ray installation, traveling all over New England to work in hospitals throughout the region. But it was outside of work where you really got to know him. He was a man of many passions and he shared every single one of them generously.

He was an avid skier who took genuine joy in teaching others to ski and was a founding member of Thames Ski Club in Vermont, where he spent many wonderful decades on the slopes at Pico with family and friends. He crafted beautiful wampum jewelry and spent many weekends at craft shows alongside Theresa, turning a shared hobby into a shared adventure. He loved the outdoors in every form and had a deep fondness for Scouting. He served as Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 63, earning his Woodbadge training and accumulating a treasury of camping memories with the boys in his care. He coached Greenwood Park rec teams and dedicated years to coaching his daughter's Lou Gehrig Girls' Softball team, whose All Star squad became city champions under his watch. He never missed a game, a match or a moment for his children. He had a gift for teaching others what he knew and a generous spirit in the sharing of it.

The Cape held a very special place in Ken's heart. Summers in Eastham were a cherished gathering point for his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews and the friends who became family over the years. He celebrated many of his birthdays there, surrounded by the people he loved most, and there was no place he seemed more at home. Body surfing at Nauset Beach, sailing and windsurfing at Great Pond and clamming at low tide at Campground Beach are memories woven into the hearts of everyone lucky enough to share those days with him. The Cape was not just a place for Ken. It was a feeling, and he made sure everyone around him felt it too.

Ken is also survived by three teenage grandchildren who were fortunate enough to truly know their "Gaga," the Polish "dziadek" for grandfather. Eamonn, Sean and Aoife Gahan knew their grandfather not just as a presence at holiday tables but as an active, everyday part of their lives. He was proud of each of them in ways he made sure they knew.

Ken had a special place in his heart for dogs, especially his Labs, who gave him the kind of unconditional companionship that suited him just fine. He leaves behind his granddogs Max, Moxie, Tommy and Jack. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes contributions to an animal shelter, rescue organization or charity of your choice.

Ken Chad was the kind of man who showed up, every time, for everyone he loved. He taught, he coached, he built things with his hands, he carved paths in the snow and left footprints at the shore. The world was better for having had him in it.

Family and friends will honor and remember Ken’s life by gathering for a time of visitation on Saturday, April 18th from 9 to 10:15 a.m. in Mulhane Home for Funerals, 45 N. Main Street, Millbury. 

His Funeral Mass will be celebrated following the visitation at 11 a.m. in St. Mark’s Catholic Church, 356 Boston Road, Sutton. Burial will be private. 

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If you wish to send flowers to these services, Mulhane Home for Funerals recommends contacting a local florist directly for a better value and selection.

Local Florist:

Floral Boutique 508-754-5637 www.floralboutiquemillbury.com 

Posies N Presents 508-581-4164 www.posiesnpresents.com