Kenneth Arthur Darrell

Kenneth "Ken" A. Darrell Jr., of Concord, died with dignity and grace at the Hospice House on Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2007, after an enduring battle with cancer. A resident of Concord for 35 years, Ken moved his family and his business (Darrell's Music Hall) to New Hampshire in the early 1970s. Ken was the first son of the late Kenneth A. and Elfleda (Jones) Darrell of Grand Turk Island in the Caribbean. Ken was born March 11, 1928, two years after his parent's immigration to Brooklyn, N.Y. He grew up in Mineola, N.Y., during the Great Depression and World War II. He was blessed with a loving family and a wonderful childhood in a neighborhood he cherished. The abundant friendships he cultivated here were dear to him and lasted throughout his life. He was a proud veteran of the U.S.M.C., enlisting shortly after high school. Ken soon married the love of his life, Joan A. Ackerman. Ken and Joan recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with their family. Ken was the lead singer in an early rock and roll band called "Ken Darrell and the Rockaways." He appeared on the Dick Clark show. He was a man of benevolence and generosity, donating monetarily as well as making gifts of pianos and organs to institutions and individuals in need. Ken was predeceased by his parents, Kenneth A. Darrell Sr. in 1982 and Elfleda in 1996, and brothers Richard Darrell in 1961 and Charles Darrell in 1995. Ken is survived by his loving wife, Joan A. Darrell of Concord; a son, Kenneth C. of Merrimack; a son Douglas and his wife, Gail, of Barnstead; a son, James and his partner, Cynthia, of Laconia; a daughter, Susan Hodgkins and husband, Peter, of Bow; a son, Robert and his wife, Jane, of Bow; 13 grandchildren; three sisters-in-law; one brother-in-law; 19 nieces and nephews; and many cousins. Funeral services will be held Friday at 10 a.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Concord. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Concord Regional Visiting Nurse Association, Hospice House, P.O. Box 1797, Concord 03302-1797.