Kenneth attended Matignon High School and Boston College where he received a BA and MA in education and participated in many college theatrical productions where he honed his artistic talents and worked during the college summer months at one of the many Catskills resorts; this was the beginning of his theatrical career writing, producing, directing and starring in many amateur and professional musicals and plays over the years.
Kenneth spent 30 years at Somerville High School working as a Special Education Teacher and Administrator, directing musical theater and mentoring, coaching and inspiring generations of students, in the words of one student when informed of Kenneth’s passing “We needed someone like you to make us see how (we were) strong, independent and full of hope when we didn’t see it in ourselves.” Another said: “What I’d give for a big ol’ hug or another day of in-house suspension with you” and “Every Kid he took under his wing was important to him” just a few of the many praises from his former students.
He founded the SunSetters, a touring band of school students who performed outdoor musicals for the City of Somerville during the summer break. In the 80’s he lived in Marblehead where he performed each 4th of July as Sandy Clause and at Christmas as an Elf arriving at the dock by lobster boat with Santa Claus. He directed and starred in many Marblehead Little Theater productions and played a role in the Town of Marblehead donating the old fire house as a home for MLT productions.
During a 2 year sabbatical he worked for the Shubert Company in New York City as a Stage Doorman living his best theater live and befriending Broadway staff and actors, including one of his favorites, Patti Lupone, with whom he bonded over smoke breaks.
When he retired from teaching Kenneth summered in Provincetown where he became a fixture as the Town Crier. He headed up parades and town functions and greeted visitors from around the world with his signature, “ALL IS WELL IN PROVINCETOWN BECAUSE YOU ARE HERE”. Kenneth and his tenure as Town Crier was featured in the documentary directed by Mike Syers “Because you’re Here” which won Best New England Short Film at the 2018 Provincetown International Film Festival. Kenneth retired from his post in 2022 after 15 years.
Throughout his life, Kenneth was second to none in his love of singing and burst into song spontaneously at any gathering, and his powerful tenor has filled many churches and cathedrals for the weddings and funerals of many friends and family adding to their special memories.
Kenneth’s last performance was in the 2023 Provincetown Theaters production of The Fantasticks where he played comic relief character Mortimer and gave a stellar performance with the help of the cast and director who knew he was struggling due to his illness.
Kenneth LIVED his life and made a difference in many of the lives he touched and was much beloved by his family, friends and students.
He leaves behind many wonderful friends, students and family members: His sister Ita Marie Quinn (niece Laura and nephew Joseph), sister Suzanne Perry (husband Richard, niece and God Daughter Denise, nephew Steven), sister Ellen (niece and God Daughter Mary Ellen), sister-in-law Barbara (nephews; Ted, Jeffery and niece and God Daughter Kerry), sister-in-law Marion (nephew John) and his former spouse and soulmate Ann Whiteley. He is predeceased by his brothers Jackie and Edward Lonergan and nephews Allen and Mark Perry.
Donations in memory of Kenneth can be made to the Unitarian Universal Meeting House of Provincetown (UUMH.org) Att: Rev. Kate Wilkinson, 236 Commercial Street, P.O. Box 817, Provincetown, MA 02657.
A Celebration of Life for Kenneth will be held at a future date.
