Kenneth Vernon Tower

WHITEFIELD – Kenneth Vernon Tower, born on August 5, 1946, in Gardiner, Maine, left us unexpectedly on April 1, 2025. Known for his spirited nature and love for the outdoors, he left an impression on all who met, knew, and loved him.

Kenneth showed his resilience in the face of countless challenges in his life. He began working full time as a teenager as a salesman for Progressive Distributors before going into road construction where he was a foreman and superintendent for several central Maine companies. Throughout his long career, he was known for his commitment and dedication, going years without missing work, finally retiring fully in 2020.

Kenneth was passionate about his hobbies, which included hunting, fishing, golf, reading, traveling with his family, and following the Bruins, Sox and Pats. He was a member for many decades of the Benevolent Order of the Elks in Gardiner and a long-time member of Sheepscot Links golf community.

Growing up in Randolph and Gardiner, Kenneth won many awards in high school football and track and field, graduating from Gardiner Area High School in 1964. Kenneth was a humble man of faith, actively participating in prayer groups and bible studies with the Lighthouse Baptist Church and lived in Whitefield, Maine, serving his family and faith, the two things that mattered most to him.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his mother Beverly and her husband Anthony (Sonny) Grazioso. He is survived by his loving wife of 36 years Mary Tower, who consistently provided unfaltering love and support to him throughout their life together; his children Stacey and (Pam) Tower of Vassalboro, Tera and (David) Pare of Augusta, James and (Virginia) Dixon of Augusta, Melissa and (Patrick) Weiner of Davenport, Fla., and Nicole Swift of Portland; his grandchildren Megan Tower, Amanda Tower, Nathan and (Hailee) Tower, Allison and (William) Schultz; sister Lori Grazioso, sister-in-law Sue and (Andre) Cote; nieces Stephanie and (Ben) Guild, Heather and (Paul) Cavanaugh and nephew Michael Cote.

The family invites you to pay your respects during visiting hours on Sunday, April 6, 2025, from 4 – 6 p.m. at Staples Funeral Home, located at 53 Brunswick Ave, Gardiner, Maine. A funeral service will be held in Kenneth’s honor on Monday, April 7, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Lighthouse Baptist Church, situated at 108 Maple Street, Farmingdale, Maine. A private family burial will be held in the spring.

We kindly request everyone to leave memories and upload photos to Kenneth’s memorial page at http://www.staplesfuneralhome.com offering comfort and solace to those who loved him.

His resilient spirit will continue to inspire us, his loving nature will continue to nurture us, and his humble life will remain a testament to his character.