Kenneth Rose

Kenneth "Kenny" Francis Rose, 80, died December 10, 2023, at his home in Centerville, Massachusetts, surrounded by the love of his family. He was the son of the late Francis and Jane (O’Neill) Rose of Taunton, Massachusetts, and was predeceased by his sister, Betty Jane Kenny (Rose).

Ken grew up in Taunton, Massachusetts, graduating from Taunton High School in 1961 and one year later choosing to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Army.

Mr. Rose’s twenty-one-year career in the Military was distinguished in achievement. Attaining the rank of Master Sergeant, Ken traveled the world, including three tours of active duty in Vietnam. He later spent a good portion of his career at the Pentagon in the Office of the Secretary of Defense as Personnel Senior Sergeant of Information Management under then Colonel Colin Powell. He was awarded The Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal (6), The National Defense Service Medal, and Office of Secretary of Defense Identification Badge.

Upon honorable discharge from the Army, Ken began a three-decades-long career in the retail hardware business, spending the bulk of that time, more than twenty-one years, at Bradford’s ACE Hardware Store in Hyannis, Massachusetts, and eventually retiring from his position there as General Manager in 2016. Ken’s quick smile and natural love of people made him a favorite throughout the Town of Barnstable and beyond.

Kenneth is survived by Barbara Bragg, the love of his life for thirty-two years. He was the dearest of fathers to Barbara’s four children, Donna Bragg (Joanie) of Fairhaven, Massachusetts, Kathy (William) Aspden of Marstons Mills, Massachusetts, Robert (Linda) Bragg of East Providence, Rhode Island, and Laura (Kenneth) Barnard, of Ocoee, Florida, as well as loving father-in-law to Laurel Bragg of Centerville, Massachusetts. “Papa Kenny” was beloved by his six grandchildren, Joseph (Stephanie) Bragg, Casey (Nathan) Blaser, Jocelyn (Adam) DiGiacomo, Nicholas (Lauren) Bragg, Sara (Casey) Stanley, and Madison Blacklock. He also leaves an unfillable hole in the lives of his twelve great-grandchildren, Kalie, Vincent, Anthony, Annabella, Jackson, Stella, Asher, Travis, Alton, Sloane, Aiden, and Billy.

A Celebration of Ken’s Life will be held on Monday, December 18, 2023, at 3:00 pm at the Osterville Baptist Church, 824 Main Street, Osterville, Massachusetts. A Military Funeral at The National Cemetery in Bourne is planned for a later date.

Instead of flowers, please consider donating goods, services, or funds to the Cape & Islands Veterans Outreach Center (CIVOC) 247 Stevens Street, Suite E, Hyannis, MA 02601

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