Kenneth Ketterer Obituary in Rockland at Magoun-Biggins

Obituaries

Kenneth Ketterer

10/29/1956 - 10/10/2025

Obituary For Kenneth Ketterer

October 29, 1956 — October 10, 2025

It is with a mixture of laughter and tears that we announce the passing of Kenneth J. Ketterer, lovingly known as “Kenny,” the one and only King of Warren’s Kitchen. Kenny left us to join the great kitchen in the sky on October 10, leaving behind a legacy of culinary delights and unforgettable memories.

Kenny was not just a husband, father, godfather, and sibling; he was the Mayor of Heritage Drive and self-proclaimed “different from everyone else.” He ruled his kitchen like a kingdom, with the best antipasto salads and vinegar peppers that could make anyone’s taste buds dance. His legendary gravelly voice often echoed throughout the restaurant and town with the warm greeting of “How we doin’?”

Known for his love of tie-dye T-shirts, Twizzlers, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and beer, Kenny lived life in full color. He had a special talent for exaggeration, claiming he never “burned in the sun”, despite sporting a red-hot tan that told a different story. He was a man of adventure when it came to food, though he had his quirks—he did not like linguini, spaghetti squash, or turkey pepperoni (until he found out he had been eating it for two years).

Kenny’s culinary career took him from being the best chef at the Venetian in Weymouth for 40 years until retirement, when he came back to reign over Warren’s Place, where he continued to share his passion for cooking with all who visited.

A devoted sports fan, Kenny cheered on the Red Sox, Celtics, Patriots, Bengals, and Cincinnati Reds, often rallying friends and family for game days filled with spirited debates and laughter. He shared this love with the younger generation as well, coaching youth baseball for many years as well as girls’ softball and basketball. He played basketball for decades, until his knee pain from the games lasted until the next week’s game.

Kenny also loved traveling. His favorite places to go were the Outer Banks, Aruba, Las Vegas, Panama City Beach, and any place a cruise ship would bring him. His favorite trips were taken with all of his family, extended family, and friends.

He fought a good battle going to Dana Farber every other week, and an even better battle against bad drivers, and was famous for his infamous beeps.

Kenny leaves behind not just a family but a community that will forever cherish his larger-than-life personality, his witty stories, and his incredible cooking. We will miss his unique flair, his heart of gold, and the way he made every gathering feel special. He is survived by his wife and soulmate of 39 years Judy (Gallahue) Ketterer, his son Brian (Ryan) of Malden, his daughters Taylor and Taryn Ketterer of Rockland, his dogs Tek and Cora of Rockland, a brother David Ketterer of Cincinnati, OH, a sister Barbara (Don) Rechtin of Jacksonville, FL, brothers-in-law James Gallahue of Weymouth and PJ (Kim) Gallahue of Whitman, sisters-in-law MaryRose (Chip) Grady of Mashpee, Trish (Bob) Gallahue of Cotuit, Laurie Nigro of Fall River, many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, many chickens, and koi fish. He is pre deceased by his father Carl B. Ketterer, mother Mary Ellen King, stepfather Richard King, and dogs Magnum, Pepe and Fenway.

So, let’s raise a glass—filled with his favorite brew—and celebrate the one and only Kenny. May his spirit continue to fill our kitchens with love, laughter, and, of course, a little bit of that magic he brought to every meal. Rest easy, dear Kenny; you’ve certainly earned it!

In lieu of flowers we request donations be made in his name to Dana Farber.

Ken’s family invites friends and loved ones to celebrate his life in the Magoun-Biggins Funeral Home on Sunday, October 19, 2025 from 4:00-7:00 pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in the Holy Family Church in Rockland on Monday, October 20, 2025 at 9:00 AM.

Photos & Video

Add New Photos & Video

Condolences

10/20/2025

Mike Galloucis Sr.

It really saddened me to learn my fellow classmate from the Hull High School Class of 1975, Ken Ketterer, recently died. I had the pleasure of knowing Ken for over 55 years—since 1970—and we were close friends who maintained routine contact with each other all those years even though we pursued different careers and never lived in the same town again after high school. Despite Ken's relatively tall and thin stature, most people who knew him or competed against him would agree with me he was a wiry, tough kid. Worded differently, Ken had tremendous heart, stamina, grit and endurance. Using a boxing metaphor, Ken always seemed to "fight above his weight" and he definitely maximized the physical skills he possessed. Ken was an excellent high school athlete during his sophomore, junior and senior years at Hull High School in both cross country and basketball after completing his freshman year at Moeller High School—a national athletic powerhouse in Cincinnati—where he ran cross country and played basketball. It's been 50 years, but I'm nearly certain Ken was selected as a Patriot Ledger "All South Shore League" in cross country and basketball during our junior and senior years. As a former teammate on the Hull High School varsity basketball team and on countless Hull Summer Recreation League and other basketball teams with Ken, I can attest he always gave his best effort, was a fierce competitor, an excellent teammate and always played his best in the biggest games. Ken was also humble, totally unpretentious and a really nice guy and a special human being who would figuratively and literally give you the shirt off his back if you needed one. Another part of Ken's unique personality that endeared him to everyone was he talked with a funny and at times difficult-to-understand twang as if he was from the deep south. He never sounded like a typical Bostonian, if there is such a thing. In the many decades I knew Ken going back to when Lyndon Johnson (LBJ) was serving as our U.S. president, I never once heard him complain about anything—even after being diagnosed with cancer a few years ago. Ken was a longtime resident of Rockland and he is survived by his wife Judy; together they raised two daughters (Taylor and Taryn) and a son, Brian. Ken will surely be missed by his loving wife of close to 40 years and their three kids as well as innumerable close friends from Rockland, Hull and many other South Shore communities he got to know while serving as a lead chef initially at The Venetian restaurant in Weymouth for over 40 years and later at Warren's Place also in Weymouth. Rest assured Ken will never be forgotten by anyone who knew him well. May Ken rest in peace (R.I.P.) in that section in heaven reserved for former Hull High School "Pirates" as well as for former members of the "L Street Pub," an amateur basketball team comprised mostly—but not exclusively—of former Hull High School varsity athletes that for many years competed in the Hull Summer League, Hingham Summer League and in highly competitive basketball tournaments across the metropolitan Boston area for many years in the 1970s. May God bless and watch over you Ken and thanks for the memories! Mike Galloucis Sr. HHS Class of 1975
10/19/2025

Vinny Cardosi

Very sorry for your loss. Kenny was a great guy who should have lived a long and fruitful life, but in the words of Billy Joel only the good die young RIP.
10/16/2025

Lauren Costello

When I was younger I used to think he was my godfather and working at the Venetian that he was the only one in the world who could make raviolis, and that he made them specially for me! He will be missed. Peace and love
10/13/2025

Eileen Cina

My heart goes out to Judy and the kids in your loss of your husband and father. We were lucky to have Ken as a neighbor on Heritage Dr. He was always in constant motion anxious to lend a hand to anyone. Most of all he loved his family. Rest in peace Ken
10/12/2025

Laurie Nigro

Kenny was quite a boisterous man and had a heart so full of love I'm surprised it didn't burst! He had a fierce love and devotion for his family. and friends. God is with you. You will be missed.. Judy, Brian, Ryan, Taylor and Taryn, God is ALWAYS with you! 🙏✝️❤️
10/11/2025

Judith Walling

Kenny certainly was a unique guy. Just got to love him! He loved his family more than life itself. Judy, he definitely is\was your rock for sure. And he always will be. May God give you and your family the extra strength to get you all through these sad days ahead. God bless you all in you time of need. Rest in peace Kenny.🙏🙏🙏
10/11/2025

Ron and Jeannine Chivers

Judy, Brian, Ryan, Taylor, Taryn and the rest of the Gallahue and Ketterer families. Our deepest condolences are with all of you during this difficult time. You have a great angel and soul watching over all of you. Rest In Peace Kenny. We will miss you 💕