Ipswich - Kenneth J. Harding, 76 of Ipswich, died on Monday, March 3, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Born in Boston, he was the son of the late Paul J. and Marguerite M. (Powers) Harding. He was the beloved husband of Patricia A. (Work) Harding.

Ken graduated from the University of Michigan with both an MBA and BBA. While there, he was captivated by the woman who became his cherished wife and partner of almost 58 years, Patty. They moved to California for a time, where Ken did additional coursework at UC Berkeley, before moving back to the East coast to be closer to family. He was honorably discharged as a captain of the US Army, and later was awarded an honorary doctorate from McDaniel College in Maryland for his work with graduating seniors on resumes and interview skills.

Through the years, Ken held positions at or contracted with Varian, Teradyne, MIT's Lincoln Laboratories, Right Management, taught Dale Carnegie courses, and owned his own business, KJ Harding & Company. He also sat on the board of Lynn's Allcare VNA for almost 30 years, and was a deacon at the First Presbyterian Church in Ipswich.

Ken was a man of intelligence and integrity who embodied many dualities, and was simultaneously fiercely independent and incredibly family oriented. He was ultimately one of the kindest, most caring and generous people, and exuded quiet strength paired with good humor (or "good" depending on your stance on puns and dad jokes). He lived his life in service to others, whose motto for everything was "How can I help?", and lamented anything run by MBAs (he had one, so he could say that). Family was his favorite and highest priority. He had a lifelong love of camping, which he first introduced to Patty, and later their kids. Hobbies included photography, reading (voraciously), travel (one favorite spot was the Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House near Lake Louise in Banff, Canada), gadgets (aka Grandad's toys), and researching recipes to cook for the family.

In addition to his wife, Ken will be profoundly missed by son, Matthew Harding & his wife Molly and light of Ken's life, grandson, Rowan of Baltimore MD, daughter Elisabeth Harding of Ipswich MA, and son Adam Harding of Quincy MA; sister, Judy Christman and her husband, Gerry, and their children, Lauren and Mark and his wife Erin; nephew, Paul Work and his partner, Cathy, niece Kirsten Work and her sons, Diego and Andreas; and several dear cousins, Nick, Mark, Luke, Peter and Chris (deceased) - and their families.

Funeral services for Ken are private. The family graciously asks those who wish to make contributions in Ken's memory to Allcare, 210 Market St., Lynn MA 01901, https://allcare.org/donate/ (please kindly consider volunteering if a financial donation is not possible). Arrangements by Campbell Funeral Home, 6 High Street, Ipswich. Condolences at www.campbellfuneral.com.