Kenneth Forrest Wentworth Jr.

Kenneth Forrest Wentworth Jr., 67, passed away peacefully on November 23rd, 2025 with his family by his side after a courageous three-month battle with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. He awoke each day with the determination to “beat this thing,” and faced each obstacle along the way with unwavering strength, faith, and his trademark megawatt smile. True to his motto, he continued to live life fully and bravely until the very end.

A longtime resident of Hanson Massachusetts, Ken shared his home and heart with his fiancée, Carol Grant. For 8 years, Ken and Carol fully embraced life together. Whether they were sitting by the fire with their coffee, taking a nature walk with their beloved dog Vivian, or traveling to their favorite places, they found joy simply in each other's company.

Ken was a dedicated and hardworking entrepreneur who successfully started two oil companies, American Fuel and North River Fuel. He made lasting connections with his customers and cared deeply for each and every person he served. Ken was also a skilled carpenter with a passion for renovating homes. He created cherished memories in Sandwich, Massachusetts, and Center Harbor, New Hampshire, where his craftsmanship and attention to detail brought spaces to life. His happiest days were often spent at his cabin on Squam Lake, cruising in his boat, jumping into the lake with Carol and Vivian, and soaking in the beauty of the place he loved most.

Ken’s most defining role in his life was that of a devoted family man. Ken treasured time with “his girls,” twin daughters Sarah and Lauren, who were the center of his world. He shared many meaningful years with his first wife, Nancy Wentworth, with whom he built a strong foundation for their family and who he always recognized as an outstanding mother. Ken took immense pride in being a father, always present and supportive, he was his girls’ biggest (and loudest) cheerleader. He valued his close relationships with his sons-in-law, Brian Gabriel and James Wheeler, whom he always regarded as sons of his own. As the adoring “Bups” to his three grandchildren, Emmett, Wes, and Millie, he delighted in every moment spent with them and beamed with pride when given the chance to talk about them.

Ken was born and raised in the Boston area to parents Carole (Magann) Wentworth and Kenneth Forrest Wentworth Sr. He grew up alongside his loving sisters, Kathy, Nancy, and June. The Wentworth family has always been close and has shared a special bond that has only grown stronger with each passing year. The extended family continues an annual tradition of returning to their Massachusetts roots for a week of laughter, memories, and meals at their favorite spots in Brant Rock. Ken always recognized that each day spent with them was a gift and never took a single day for granted.

Ken had a circle of lifelong friends known lovingly as the “14 guys for life.” This tight-knit group shared decades of laughter, loyalty, and unwavering support. Their bond was built on countless stories, traditions, and memories. These friendships have stood the test of time and were invaluable to Ken. Known affectionately to this group as Diggs, Ken valued these men not just as friends but as brothers.

A Mass to honor Ken’s life will be held on Thursday, December 11th at 11:00AM at St. Mary’s Church in Hanover. All who knew and loved Ken are welcome to attend. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to PanCAN, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of those impacted by pancreatic cancer by advancing scientific research, building community, sharing knowledge, and advocating for patients. Ken would be honored to know that his life continues to shine light for others, sparing even one patient and family from the heartbreak we endured.

You can donate to PanCAN directly by clicking here.

Ken’s legacy of love, generosity, hard work, and zest for life will continue to shine through all who were blessed to know him.