Cumberland, RI

Kenneth Joseph Johnson, 93, of Cumberland, RI, passed away on Thursday, November

20, 2025 at Benchmark at Bedford Falls in Bedford, NH.

Kenneth was born in Blackstone, MA and was the fourth of five children of Mary and Arthur Johnson. Shortly after his birth, his family moved to Rhode Island, where he was a lifelong resident.

Ken enlisted in the army in 1952 and fought overseas in the Korean War. At the cease of the war, he was in the Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea. After returning from overseas, Ken was reassigned for some time in New York City as a driver for the United Nations. Following his active duty, Ken served as a Corporal in the Army Reserve from 1954 to 1960.

Ken married Constance Desrosiers on June 28th of 1952 and they had one daughter, Diane Marie. Following her birth, they moved into their lifelong home in Cumberland, Rhode Island, where they made many wonderful friends with neighbors.

Ken's work always centered around building things. For much of his career he was a tool maker for various manufacturers. He received many accolades in his work, and even taught drafting for a period of time, which he always spoke of fondly. In his free time, Ken was a skilled woodworker and his family maintains many beautiful pieces built by his hands in his immaculate workshop. He always found new things to build and challenge himself as a craftsman.

Ken also loved the outdoors. In their retirement, Ken and Connie spent their time camping and driving around America, visiting new spots and enjoying the outdoors with their RV in tow. Ken was also an avid fly fisherman and fly tier in the winter months when the waters were frozen over. Ken was Connie's devoted caretaker until her death in 2004.

In his later years, Ken enjoyed working in his garden and spending time with his companion of 14 years, Caroline Aldrich. They spent many lovely days together bonding over their passion for living well and reminiscing on their past.

Ken leaves those who knew him with the memory of his sweet, quiet nature, his warm smile, and the reminder of him as he was- the independent man who lived on his own until only a few weeks before his death.

Kenneth is predeceased by his siblings, Arthur, Mary (Blais), John, and Alan; his wife, Constance Desrosiers, and his daughter Diane M. DeCoste.

He is survived by his granddaughter Victoria Flaherty and her husband Lance, his son-in-law Raymond DeCoste, and his two great-grandchildren, Colton and Declan.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to Kenneth's Life Celebration to be held with Visiting Hours on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM in the J. J. Duffy Funeral Home, 757 Mendon Road, Rt. 122, Cumberland.