Kenneth was born in Montclair and raised in North Caldwell; he lived on the same piece of property for 93 years of his life. He proudly served in the US Navy during World War II. Kenneth graduated from Montclair State University earning both a bachelor’s and master’s degree. After college, he was an educator for 36 years with Cedar Grove Public Schools, the last 21 of which he served as Superintendent of Schools, retiring in 1986.
Kenneth was a member and former chief of the North Caldwell Fire Department, remaining active for 71 years. He was also a member of the North Caldwell Historical Society, North Caldwell Senior Citizens, the N.J. Education Association, a life member of the National Education Association, and the Caldwell United Methodist Church. He was a life-long learner, and throughout his retirement enjoyed traveling and participating in many Road Scholars programs. He greatly enjoyed spending time in the family’s vacation home in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania and in his later years his home at Bristol Glen. His greatest joy, however, was his family for whom he was willing to do just about anything within his ability.
Kenneth was predeceased by his parents, George H. and Madeline T. (Vogel) Bechtold; and his sister, Alberta Allen. He is survived by his beloved wife of 73 years, Barbara Bechtold; his children, Kenneth G. Bechtold, Jr. (Julie), Steven G. Bechtold (Ellen) and Nancy J.B. Carver (Don); 6 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 5, 2023, at the Sparta United Methodist Church, 71 Sparta Avenue, Sparta, NJ. Arrangements are under the direction of Smith-McCracken Funeral Home, Newton, NJ. Online condolences may be offered at www.smithmccrackenfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Kenneth’s name to Caldwell UMC, 8 Academy Rd, Caldwell, NJ 07006, Sparta UMC, 71 Sparta Avenue, Sparta, NJ 07871, or the United Methodist Church in Branchville, PO Box 509, Branchville, NJ 07826.
