Kenneth P. Doolittle
September 19, 1919 ~ November 5, 2015
Kenneth P. Doolittle, 96, loving husband of the late Ann Thomas Doolittle, and life-long resident of West Haven, passed away at home on November 5, 2015. He was born on 9-19-1919 in West Haven to the late Paul and Gladys Humphrey Doolittle. He is predeceased by his little sister, Gladys A. Doolittle. Kenn is survived by his daughters Glady Protz (Erich), Betty Flanders (Buddy), and Sydne Palmer, and by his sons George K. Doolittle (Margaret) and Paul C. Doolittle, grandchildren: Mindy Baker (David), Kelly Suchy (Jeffrey), Melissa Palmer, Heather Stern (Timothy), Ivy Medina, Annie Longsdorf (Joshua), Jane Protz, and Craig K. Doolittle. He is also survived by his 17 great-grandchildren who were his 'pride and joy'. Also survived by his friend Jessie Delahanty. After serving as a Staff Sgt. in the U.S. Army during WWII, Kenn became a teletype coordinator for Western Electric where he worked for 46 years until his retirement in1983. He also worked as the secretary of Oak Grove Cemetery in West Haven for many years. Kenn was a life-long member of Christ Episcopal Church, now Church of the Holy Spirit in West Haven, and The Knights of Pythias. He was an avid ball player, bowler, golfer, and card player. Kenn was generous and humble and was involved in a multitude of local activities and organizations. A memorial service will be held on November 12, 2015 at 1pm at the Church of the Holy Spirit, 28 Church St. West Haven. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to the Church of the Holy Spirit Memorial Fund, 28 Church Street West Haven, CT 06516.
If there ever is a perfect difinition of a .Gentleman. it is Ken Doolittle. To those of us younger than he growing up in his presense Ken always had a imposing persona. Honest, Firm, Direct, to mention a few attributes, not the least being incredible compassion. Mr. Christ Church. If any could ever lay claim to this it is he. Him being called to god marks the very real passing of a great generation of our churches parishionership.
As Mason already commented – Christ Church/Church of the Holy Spirit has lost their most loyal, supportative member. He was a model for all of us to strive towards. I myself have learned much from him. I was forunate to work with him on the Vestry, in the Choir and as Treasurer. He was a good friend and mentor. He will be missed by all that knew him. I cannot put into words how much he meant to the church or how much the church meant to him. I am sure he will continue watching and helping and praying for the church from his heavenly place. With all of my heart I have to say – Kenn Thank You for all you have done.
Syd and family…my condolences to all. So sorry.
BELOVED GRANDFATHER WILL BE MISSED
remember and always loved
Ken and my dad were childhood pals, army buddies, played basketball together for the Christ Church teams, and were life long friends. Ken was best man at his wedding and a fixture in West Haven for many decades. I served with him on several boards and always respected his dedication, hard work and desire to do things well. Although I never got to know any of his children or grandchildren, I’m sure his legacy lives on in them. I write this remembrance to express my sincere condolences to his family from mine. He was a great guy and will be truly missed.
Dear Sydne and family, My deepest sympathies on the loss of your father. After reading your father’s obituary it definitely confirmed our fathers most certainly knew each other. Thank you again for helping me with my personal affairs. I think it was a mixture of the sixth degree of separation and a God Wink (by SQuire Rushnell). It’s a good book to comfort the soul after you lose someone you love.
I know first hand how hard it can be to lose someone as special as
our dads. Please take care, Kim
I want to express my condolences to you and your family. I am Jessie’s niece from Tennessee. We all loved Jenny like an uncle. He was so kind and had a sweet spirit that surrounded him. We were grateful Jessie had him in her life for so many years. May he rest in peace.