Kenneth Bukoski, Sr.

Beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend, Kenneth (Ken) Lee Bukoski , Sr ., passed peacefully on February 9, 2022 at the age of 75. He is survived by his wife of 48 years Margaret (Peggy) Bukoski (Morrison); his son Kenneth Bukoski , Jr., and wife Gina Anderson; his sister-in-law Mary Jane Mahoney (Morrison); and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Born in Somerville, MA on May 11, 1946 to Joseph and Sylvia Bukoski , Ken was the younger brother to Carol (Kujala) and David. He graduated from Malden (MA) High School in 1965 and upon graduation, successfully studied drawing and sketch at the Massachusetts School of Art.

Ken courageously served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War as a Huey helicopter Crew Chief (Specialist E-4) from 1968-1969, and was awarded The Order of the Silver Rose for his military service.

Upon his return, he met the love of his life, Peggy, at The Flamingo Lounge in Saugus, MA in 1970. Ken adored Peggy from the moment they met and enthusiastically told her that first night she would one day be his wife. Peggy felt the same and the two were married on a beautiful spring day in Malden, MA at the Immaculate Conception Parish Church on May 11, 1974 -- Ken's 28th birthday.

Ken and Peggy settled in Stoneham, MA and had their son, Ken Jr., in 1981. Ken Sr . and his son were extremely close, sharing a love of astronomy, model planes and Westerns. They were always quick to make each other -- or anyone around them -- laugh.

Ken had a tremendous 42-year career with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, rising in the ranks to become a locomotive engineer. He made many close friendships during his four decades on the job and was known for his gracious mentorship of junior staff. Ken took pride in knowing the names of his regular passengers and worked diligently to ensure thousands of Commuter Rail riders in the Greater Boston area made it safely to their destinations day in and out.

Known for his sense of humor, generosity and gentle spirit, Ken loved traveling, entertaining friends and family, listening to the Moody Blues and playing the harmonica (even if it was just to make everyone chuckle). He was a proud Veteran and spent his final years at the Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans' Hospital in Bedford, MA, being cared for by his love Peggy and the exceptional staff of nurses and healthcare professionals who treated him like family. Ken leaves a legacy that will never be forgotten and memories that will always be cherished.

A wake in Ken's honor will be held on Tuesday, February 15, 2022 at the McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Avenue Wakefield, MA -- near Lake Quannapowitt where he spent many hours walking with Peggy. The family is welcoming visitors from 3-6 p.m.; words of remembrance will be shared at 6 p.m. Ken will be buried at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, MA during a private ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, the family would love donations in Ken's honor to the Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org) or the New England Center and Home for Veterans (www.nechv.org).

Tuesday, February 15
3:00 PM to 6:00 PM

McDonald Funeral Home
19 Yale Ave
Wakefield, MA 01880
(781) 245-3550

Massachusetts National Cemetery
Bourne, MA