Kenneth D. Marston passed away on March 30, 2024 in Largo, Florida. He was 69.

For the past year, he battled serious medical issues and showed courage by facing his challenges with a smile ... and often a long, emoji-filled text. Despite his pains, Ken was a hero, staying strong until the end. His closing gesture of generosity was being an organ donor.

Ken was born in Staten Island, New York in 1955 and initially lived in Roselle Park, New Jersey. In 1961, his family moved to the Boothbay region where he grew up and worked most of his life. Ken married his high school sweetheart, Misty, celebrating 53 Valentine’s Days together. Ken and Misty moved to Ranch Mobil Park in Clearwater, Florida later in retirement.

A gregarious and generous man, Ken was well-suited to a career in the hospitality industry. Aside from his stints as a sternman on a lobster boat and working in a lumber yard, he was involved in the restaurant/bar industry from summers in high school through retirement.

Ken was a principal in the family business, Everybody’s Restaurant in Boothbay Harbor for over 30 years. He was also an active contributor to his community through the Chamber of Commerce, Boothbay Region Water District trustee, Boothbay Charities Classic and being Santa for those in need.

Ken is survived by his soul mate, Misty; brother-in-law Tom Erskine and his wife Bonnie; four brothers, Kurt and his wife Debbie, Geoff and his wife Lorri, Frank and his wife Debbie, and Matt and his wife Julie; plus many nieces and nephews (both blood and adopted) and many, many friends.

He was an avid sports fan, in particular, of the Kansas City Chiefs and the Boston Red Sox. In fact, some have suggested that the recent lack of reliable pitching on the Red Sox was a factor in Ken’s demise. He attended 11 Super Bowls, was an early season ticket holder for the Portland Sea Dogs, and was one of the founders of the Boothbay Charities Classic, a golf tournament and auction raising money for Maine Special Olympics. He procured and distributed lots of sport memorabilia to be auctioned, making friends with several sports icons and celebrities.

A lover of music, particularly from his era, he was partial to Southern Rock, following the bands, members and concerts.

“I will take love wherever I find it and offer it to everyone who will take it ... seek knowledge from those wiser than me and try to teach those who wish to learn from me.” –Duane Allman

A Celebration of Life will be held this summer in the Boothbay region.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Maine Special Olympics in Ken’s memory.