ROCKLAND — It is with deep love and sadness that we announce the passing of Kenneth Charles Sylvester, who passed away peacefully at Pen Bay Medical Center on August 21, 2026, his 82nd birthday.

Ken, Kenny to his family, was born in Rockland on August 21, 1944, the son of the late Edward Charles Sylvester and Winifred Cora (Pinkham) Sylvester. He was proud to have been a member of the Rockland High School Class of 1962, the last class to graduate from the original high school on Lincoln Street.

Following graduation, Ken enlisted in the United States Army, where he proudly served until his honorable discharge in 1965. He was proud to be a veteran and a member of the American Legion Post 1 in Rockland. He was also a member of the Rockland Lodge of Elks and a past member of the Lions Club.

Ken married Paulette Grierson on November 13, 1965, in Rockland. Together they spent almost 61 wonderful years together, camping, traveling, and just enjoying life.

Shortly after, he began his career with AT&T in Connecticut working in the offices on the circuit lines. He then worked for New England Telephone & Telegraph in Bangor then Rockland, which became NYNEX, then Verizon. After he retired from the phone company, he went to work for MSAD 5/RSU 13 as a bus driver. He thoroughly enjoyed taking the kids wherever they needed to go.

In April 1971, Ken began the best and hardest job of his life, being a Dad. He was the absolute best Dad that any girl could ask for. Needless to say, his daughter was a “Daddy’s Girl”, and they enjoyed many wonderful times together, from participating in cross-country ski racing to eating lunch together by Chickie Lake or at the public landing and watching the ducks and other critters.

For many years Ken was an avid runner. He and Paulette were members of the Pen-Bay Pacers running club. Ken ran several marathons and half-marathons, and too many 10K’s to mention. He was proud of the fact that he started the 10K and 1-mile fun run races for the Maine Lobster Festival. He was very excited when Olympian Joan Benoit-Samuelson ran (and won the women’s category) in his race.

Ken was predeceased by his parents; sisters Charleen and Kathleen; twin daughters, Amy and Amanda; and his beloved Pug, Zoey.

He is survived by his wife, Paulette of Rockland; his daughter Tracey and her fiancé Alan Myrick of Rockland; and his Papillion, Lily. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Geraldine Wiley, Joyce (Ron) Philbrook, and Bonnie (Dickie) Miller; several nieces, nephews and cousins; and a special friend who he thought of as a daughter, Shannon Kirby of Florida.

Per Ken’s wishes, a private family gathering will be held.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ken’s honor to Pope Memorial Humane Society, P.O. Box 1294, Rockland, or American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home in Rockland.