TAVARES, FL — Kenneth Douglas Joseph Allaby, formerly Lowell and Wilmington, was born February 12, 1946 in Lowell, MA and sadly, surrounded by his wife and 3 daughters, passed away at Cornerstone Hospice House in Tavares, FL, on Saturday, April 5, 2025 due to end stage Alzheimer’s.
Ken led an active life playing basketball and weight lifting when he was young and played men’s softball in his adult years. He enjoyed gardening and took pride in his beautiful lawn and flower gardens – having earned the reputation for many years for “The Best Lawn in Wilmington.” Ken never missed an opportunity to see his children or grandchildren at their sporting events – field hockey, softball, basketball, cheerleading, football, gymnastics and dance. Always so proud and making sure other spectators knew exactly who he was cheering for. Ken loved making people laugh – he always had a funny joke or story and made friends everywhere he went. He taught us all that laughter truly is the best medicine. Ken had some pretty solid dance moves and especially enjoyed dancing with his bride – he loved and was so proud of her – often saying she was always the most beautiful woman in the room.
Ken grew up in Lowell and attended Sacred Heart School where he was in the Choir. He then attended Lowell Trade School where he learned carpentry. He was a skilled finish carpenter and created a beautiful kitchen in his home on Glen Road back in the 80s. Ken had several jobs during his incredible life and always had a story to tell: Nichols Dairy (where he found his true love of Maple Walnut ice cream), Murray Printing, Avco Printing & Publishing, Parker Brothers, Superior Ink & Lowe’s. Ken was successful in Sales in the printing world as he could connect and make friends with just about anyone.
After Ken retired and moved to Florida, he became the local handyman in the Villages – mowing lawns and making friends along the way. One of the most rewarding things Ken did during retirement was going to Moffit Cancer Center, with his beloved pup Bailey, to provide therapy and moments of joy to patients battling cancer. He had endless stories about his visits and was so proud to be a part of this program.
Ken leaves behind his beloved wife of 58 years, Judy Mary (Bettencourt) Allaby, as well as 3 daughters: Renae Huettel and her husband Michael, Robin (Kavanaugh) Piro and her husband Vince, and Lauren Kloack and her husband Justin. He also leaves behind 8 amazing grandchildren: Kyra Kavanaugh, Nolan Kavanaugh, Calli Kavanaugh, Justin Kloack, Adelina Kloack, Flora Kloack, Ella Piro and Vincent Piro. And because he loved dogs so much, we cannot leave out the grandpups: Remi, Rocco & Ronan Huettel, Chief & Georgia Piro, and Bernie Kloack. Ken also leaves behind two incredibly supportive brothers: David L. Allaby along with his wife Sue, and Stephen J. Allaby. Ken is predeceased by both his parents, Frank Lawson Allaby and Mary (Mahoney) Allaby, as well as two brothers, Frank R. and Robert T. Allaby.
The family would like to thank the following people for their care and compassion of Ken on his long journey home: Dr. Lisa Tartaglia, Beverly Nordren & Tiffany Marcelle-Bass, nurses with Cornerstone Hospice. Thank you to Melissa Denham, Dementia Care Coordinator, for guidance and support to all of us during this long Alzheimer’s journey. And many thanks Casonia (Sonja) Smith for her care and dedication to Ken as a caregiver, to the wonderful volunteers at Son Rise Respite Program, Day Break Respite, Community Café Respite and Friendly Café.
There will be a funeral mass on Saturday, June 21st at 10 a.m. at St. Maria Goretti, 112 Chestnut Street, Lynnfield, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in Ken’s name: Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Floor 12, Chicago, IL 60601. 800-272-3900.
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