Kenneth J. Thompson

NEW BRITAIN – Kenneth J. Thompson of New Britain passed away peacefully, with his wife by

his side, at his home on Thursday, March 16 th . Ken was 76 yrs. old. He was the beloved husband of

Bette L. Thompson for more than 41 years. Ken was born in Brooklyn, NY. During his lifetime he

lived several places on Long Island, NY, Anchorage, AK, Tacoma, WA before settling in New Britain.

After his graduation from college, he worked as a Pension Analyst at several companies including his

last position at Prudential. At 50 he earned his Masters Degree in Special Education from Arcadia

University. He launched his teaching career with the Bucks County Intermediate Unit, which included

teaching at Foundations Behavioral Health and his favorite assignment at the Bucks County Youth

Center. After retiring Ken had a long-term association as a teacher with New Hope Academy.

Ken had a strong Christian faith. For many years he attended St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. For the

last 10 years he attended Covenant Church with Bette where he was led to volunteer for Life Abundant

Prison Ministry. Ken was deeply interested in people he met and enjoyed good conversation. He loved

acting in community theatre and wrote many plays that were performed around Bucks County. He was

an avid collector. Ken’s primary passion was music and spent hours in his “Music Room” listening to

his latest 45 rpm record acquisition.

In addition to his beloved wife Bette, Ken is survived by his children: Sonja E. and her husband

Daniel J. DeSimone and their daughter Lelah R.; sons Michael J. and Kevin E. Thompson and Kevin’s

son Scout; Step-daughter Kristen M. and her husband Matthew L. Williams; Step-daughter Diana C.

Young; Step-Son David C. and his wife Diana M. Young and their children James C. and Faith B.;

Ken’s sister Lee and her husband Edward M. Yahnker, Ken’s brother John M. and his wife Rose

Thompson.

On Saturday, March 25 th at 11 a.m. a Memorial Service will be held at Covenant Church, 4000 Rt.

202, Doylestown. Contributions in Ken’s memory may be made to Life Abundant Prison Ministry or

Covenant Church.