NORTH ADAMS, Mass. —  Kenneth (Ken) Charles Rougeau, 90, of North Adams, Massachusetts, passed away at his home on Sunday, July 5, 2026.

Born in North Adams on November 17, 1935, Ken was the son of Theodore ("Ted") and Anita (Mossolani) Rougeau. He graduated from Drury High School, where he developed lifelong friendships and discovered his love of sports and music.

Ken will be remembered as a genuinely kind man with a strong work ethic, a wonderful sense of humor, and an unwavering devotion to his family. He had a gift for making people feel welcome. Whether sharing a story, lending a helping hand, or enjoying a Manhattan with family and friends, Ken found joy in life's simple moments and in the people around him.

At the age of 18, Ken was drafted into the United States Army during the Korean War. He often shared stories from his time in the service, reflecting on the experiences and friendships that remained with him throughout his life. Following his military service, he returned home to North Adams, where he met the love of his life, Beverly. They were married in 1958 and spent more than six decades building a life together centered on love, family, and an unwavering commitment to one another.

Using the GI Bill, Ken enrolled in business school after leaving the Army. Before long, however, he realized that his true calling wasn't behind a desk, it was working with people. He joined the family business Ted Rougeau Trucking Company, working alongside his father and two brothers. Ken remained on the moving truck until he was 76 years old, taking pride not only in a hard day's work but also in the countless friendships he made and stories he gathered along the way.

An avid sports fan throughout his life, Ken enjoyed golfing, bowling, cheering on the Boston Celtics and the Boston Red Sox. He also enjoyed the occasional round of horseshoes with the guys. As a young man, he played junior varsity baseball, basketball, and ran track at Drury High School.

Music was a lifelong source of joy for Ken. He sang in the Drury High School Glee Club and, throughout his life, found happiness in sharing songs with family and friends. Some of his favorite moments were spent at home singing while Beverly played the organ.

Ken was immensely proud of his family. He rarely missed a birthday, concert, parade, sporting event, graduation, or special occasion. And, although he never attended Syracuse University himself, he proudly considered himself part of the "Orange" family through the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren.

Above all else, Ken believed in one simple principle: family first. He treasured every opportunity to spend time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Together, he and Beverly thought nothing of driving hundreds of miles even through blinding snowstorms to spend a holiday, celebrate a birthday, attend a graduation, or simply be together. Those moments were what mattered most to him.

Just as family was the foundation of Ken's life, so too was his faith. A lifelong communicant of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church, he was an active member of the parish, singing in the church choir, serving on the Roman Holiday dance committee, ushering at Mass, and helping with the weekly collection. He loved his church and the community it provided. Although he and Beverly stopped attending Mass in person during the COVID-19 pandemic, their faith remained a constant. Every Sunday they faithfully watched two or three televised Masses together, and after Beverly's passing, Ken continued that tradition, never missing Sunday morning services.

Ken was predeceased by his wife of 67 years, Beverly, who passed away in 2025, and by his parents, Theodore ("Ted") and Anita (Mossolani) Rougeau.

He is survived by his two daughters, Wendy M. (Bernard) Gwozdz of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and Linda R. (Jeremy) Euto of Skaneateles, New York. He also leaves behind four grandchildren: Sarah N. Euto of New York, New York; Benjamin C. Euto of Syracuse, New York; Brian Gwozdz of Pittsfield, Massachusetts; and Danielle (Ryan) Cowan of Palmyra, Virginia. He was the proud great-grandfather of Brynley and Payton Cowan.

Ken is also survived by his brothers, Norman (RoseMarie) Rougeau of Williamstown, Massachusetts, and Gary (Suzanne) Rougeau of Adams, Massachusetts; his nieces, Renee Rougeau of Winooski, Vermont, and Cheri Rougeau of Williamstown, Massachusetts; and his nephew, Timothy Rougeau of North Adams, Massachusetts along with many cousins.

FUNERAL NOTICE: A Liturgy of Christian Burial for Kenneth C. Rougeau will be celebrated Saturday, July, 18th at 10:00am at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church in North Adams. Burial will follow in Southview Cemetery. A calling hour will be held Saturday morning from 8:30-9:30am at FLYNN & DAGNOLI-MONTAGNA HOME FOR FUNERALS CENTRAL CHAPEL, 74 Marshall St. North Adams, MA. Flowers may be sent to the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to the North Adams, Veterans Food Pantry at https://a.co/0gPDuHtC . Those donations will be used to buy gift cards that will be given to local veterans. Thank you to Elder Services of Berkshire County, Kurtis Durocher of the Northern Berkshire Veterans’ Services; John Fields, and Miriam Maloney for their care and compassion. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com