Kenneth B. Welch

New Bedford-Kenneth B. Welch, ”KW”, 72, of Mattapoisett formerly of Nantucket, passed away on Monday March 11, 2019 at Saint Luke’s Hospital.  He was the son of the late Donald and Jane (Carroll) Welch of Mattapoisett.  KW was the fond partner and friend to Amy Ford and her children Jared and Jillian and their dog Sadie also of Mattapoisett. 

Kenny was raised in Plymouth and Newton, Massachusetts, spending summers in Mattapoisett while growing up.  In high school “KW” played football, hockey and ran track.  He attended American International College in Springfield, MA.

Kenny taught grammar school briefly after graduating from college, but the pursued his twin passions, cooking and sailing.  He worked as a sous chef on Nantucket for many years, in restaurants and for a couple of years on a Merchant marine Ship crossing the Pacific between California and Japan.

Kenny loved to sail, living in the Caribbean for many years aboard a 54’ Sloop, He raced classic wooden, single hulled boats in the Nantucket’s Opera House Cup Regatta.  In the most recent years Kenny lovingly restored a pre-America Cup boat, Clytie II, built in 1927 and raced in 1928 against Norway.  He was employed with Cape Cod Shipbuilding as a boat builder.  Kenny had another talent that many may not have known; he played the drums and an amazing singing voice.

He was the epitome of a “good guy”, generous, honest, creative and caring something we all aspire to be more of. He will be missed by many and remembered by all as a true friend.  

He is also survived by his Aunt Carolyn Titcomb of Mattapoisett, his cousin William “Bill” Titcomb and his wife Sharon of Marion, Peter Titcomb of NC.  He was the brother In-Law of Margo Melnicove and brother of the late David T. Welch and many loving relatives and friends

A celebration of his life will be held on a date to be announced in the near future.  To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit www.warehamvillagefuneralhome.com

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