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Kenneth J
Chisholm
Mar 27, 1941 — Jul 6, 2026
Kenneth J. Chisholm peacefully died on July 6, 2026, after a lengthy illness. Born on March 27, 1941, to Jane and James A. Chisholm, he was raised in West Roxbury, MA. His education included Randall J. Morris School, Robert G. Shaw School, and Boston Latin before graduating from Roslindale High in 1959.
As a child, he had a knack for mechanics, spending countless hours in the cellar tinkering, building, and fixing things. He enjoyed spending time with animals, including the family’s chickens and rabbits, and took up the hobby of keeping carrier pigeons.
Ken's hockey journey began on the ponds of West Roxbury. He played goalie at Roslindale High School and later joined the Hyannis Elks in the Cape Cod League. He continued playing into his 60s in various men’s leagues at the Cohasset Winter Gardens and Pilgrim Arena. Over the years, he participated in several games against the Bruins’ Alumni. Ken also enjoyed coaching his son and stepsons during their youth hockey careers.
Ken’s love for the game of golf began in his youth and endured throughout his life. He was an honorary member of Hatherly Country Club in Scituate, won the Tobin Memorial Tournament multiple times, and eventually served as the club’s president. Ken formed some of his closest relationships over the years while playing golf at Hatherly.
In high school, Ken was a member of his school’s camera club. He built an at-home darkroom to develop his own photographs. Eventually, photography became a shared passion with his son and, later, his granddaughter. He was often spotted at Saquish Beach, patiently capturing images of snowy owls, one of his favorite subjects.
Ken enlisted in the Army National Guard in July 1963. He served with the 164th Transportation Battalion in Hingham, MA, and was discharged in July 1969. During this time, Ken also began a long career at Symmons Industries, where he worked for three decades before retiring at 55.
In 1966, after moving to Marshfield, he welcomed his son, Mark, and later his daughter, Kerry. In 1978, Ken moved to Scituate, MA, where he married Maryanne D’Arcy, and together they raised their blended family. As a father, Ken was a strong role model, a hardworking provider, and a pillar of his community.
After retiring, Ken and Maryanne bought a cottage on Saquish Beach in Plymouth, MA. For 22 years, they spent memorable summers on the sand, building lasting friendships with dear friends. He also spent his retirement years fishing and boating. He loved getting out on the water in Scituate, Saquish, and Martha’s Vineyard.
Ken took a DIY-first approach to almost anything that needed to be fixed. He knew how to handle most carpentry, plumbing, and electrical issues and took great pride in fixing things himself. Helping family and friends was a great source of joy and fulfillment for him.
Ken faced his diagnoses and health issues with courage, bravery, and a true zest for life. His positivity helped him persevere, and he refused to let these challenges keep him from spending time with friends and family, playing golf, visiting Martha’s Vineyard, and fishing from his boat.
Ken leaves behind his son, Mark Chisholm; his wife, Caitlin; and their children, Conor and Chloe; his daughter, Kerry Giacomino; her husband, Greg; and their children, CJ and Ty; his stepson, Jack D’Arcy; his wife, Kim; and their children, Calahan, Teagan, Colby, and Devyn; and his stepson, Christian D’Arcy. He was also the proud great-grandfather of Emma Chisholm. Ken loved spending time with his grandchildren and step-grandchildren, especially by supporting their sporting events. He also leaves his brother, Richard, and his wife, Margie, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and countless friends. He is predeceased by his sister, Patsy, and his brother, “Jimmy” James A. Chisholm. His legacy endures through the love and countless relationships he nurtured throughout his life.
The family wishes to thank Brigham and Women's Hospital for their dedication, support, and compassion during his final days, and Mass Eye and Ear for the care they provided. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Mayhew Program. Ken was a longtime supporter of this organization, which he first became involved with when he was a cook at the Groton School’s summer camp for underprivileged boys at Newfound Lake in NH. A celebration of life will be held at Hatherly Country Club on Thursday, July 30, at 12:00 p.m., 663 Hatherly Rd, Scituate, MA 02066.
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