Kenneth W. Dolloff Jr., 87, of Methuen, MA passed away on Sunday, March 12, 2017 at Lahey Clinic in Burlington, MA.

Ken was born in Melrose, MA on February 4, 1930 to the late Katherine H. and Kenneth W. Dolloff Sr. He was raised in Everett, MA where he met his wife Leona (Cooper) Dolloff. Ken graduated from Boston University with a bachelor’s degree in both music (trumpet) and education. He was always deeply grateful to the anonymous donor whose generosity one semester enabled him to continue his education. He went on to complete his Master’s degree in education from the University of Massachusetts. His early working years were spent in music education in Easthampton and Bridgewater, MA. He then transitioned to becoming the high school principal in Bristol, NH and Johnston, RI before settling at Methuen High School in Methuen, where he completed his career as Assistant Superintendent.

Ken’s passion was music; In addition to teaching all instruments, Ken was an accomplished baritone vocalist. During his cherished winter visits to their home in North Ft. Myers, FL, Ken sang at church. He also directed and sang with the choir for many years at First Church Congregational, Methuen, MA.

In addition to music, Ken loved to garden. He enjoyed growing vegetables at his Methuen home and flowers at the summer home on Frye Island, ME.

Ken and Lee spent their summers at their cottage on Frye Island, ME where he was active on the committee that seceded from Raymond and created the Town of Frye Island. He was also one of the founders of Frye Island (nondenominational) Chapel.

Ken is survived by his loving wife of 63 years Leona (Cooper) Dolloff of Methuen, MA, daughter Laurel Pittera and her husband John, son Wesley Dolloff and his wife Denise, and grandchildren Alex and Brett Pittera and Candice and Mitchell Dolloff.

Services will be held for both Ken and Lee at First Church Congregational, Methuen, MA at 10:00am, Thursday, March 30, 2017. Burial will take place in Puritan Lawn Cemetery, Peabody. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ken’s memory to the Salem, NH Boys and Girls Club, 3 Geremonty Dr, Salem, NH 03079. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.goundreydewhirstfuneral.com or www.dewhirstfuneral.com

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