After serving in the Navy, he was commissioned by the US Air Force to play trumpet in the Airmen of Note, the Glenn Miller 16 piece band. He travelled around the world performing with countless celebrities and entertaining the troops. Upon retirement he completed his BA and MA degrees to become a music educator in RI, mentoring his students. Many of those have carried on his legacy by pursuing musical careers and becoming music educators. He also continued playing trumpet with numerous bands and arranging music until the age of 88.
He was previously married to the late Janet Cole, now survived by his wife Brenda (Duvall) Grasley of Orlando, FL and his daughter Sandi Wall, of Sarasota, FL.
There is a saying, “you only live once, but if you do it right, once is all you need”. Ken had an amazing life, lived his dream, and fulfilled his destiny.
Donations in his memory may be made to the National Association for Music Education online at www.NAFME.org.
