Kenneth S. Kester

Kenneth Stephen Kester was born in Silver Springs, Maryland, son to Colonel Donald Lee Kester and Fern (Almquist) Kester. Ken Kester, age 76, peacefully passed away at Allegheny General Hospital, following complications from a stroke. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Donald and his late and beloved wife Kathleen Combs Kester.

Ken Kester, or affectionately known as “Mr. K”, was a man who was hard to miss, due to his unmistakable booming voice, a large man with an even larger personality. But what people remember most was not simply his clear and unique tone, it was his warmth, his humor, and remarkable presence in a conversation.

Ken had a genuine curiosity about the world which led him to pursue a biology degree from Western Maryland College. He pursued a highly successful career in Medical Equipment sales for Smiths Medical & was acknowledged by his colleagues several times throughout his career. He was an accomplished pianist and part of a worship team at The Epiphany Episcopal Church of Avalon.

He was fond of people and easily made connections with customers, making friends along the way. Ken took the time to get to know people and let them know him. Ken undeniably carried a belief with him that people mattered. He enjoyed talking to people, learning their stories, and helping wherever he could. But work was only part of Ken’s life.

He loved family-shared experiences, like camping at Lake Raystown and boating at Deep Creek, MD. He loved travelogues, the History Channel, old movies, and Broadway. Ken also found joy in simple things and was a lover of nature. From his kitchen window and own backyard, he loved to watch the squirrels, turkeys, chipmunks, and hummingbirds that came through. Ken very much enjoyed animals, cats and dogs included. Mary and he shared companionship with a small black “tuxedo” cat, named Barnaby. They also enjoyed the wonderful neighborhood and friends from Holiday Drive that Ken had fostered for over thirty-five years. Whether it be a pool party or trick or treating it was always lots of fun.

For fifteen years, his wife Kathy endured a battle with breast cancer. During those years, the twin boys were growing up- from just two years old to sixteen. That is an enormous span of a child’s life. Ken leaves behind memories of a complicated truth of the hurt that was felt by his absence while traveling for work. Ken persevered alongside Kathy throughout the time of her illness, uncertainty, fear, and hope. A life can contain both sacrifice and shortcomings, both

meaningful presence and painful distance, both devotion and regret. Perfection was never the measure of his love. He loved them and carried responsibilities that were never supposed to belong to one parent alone. And today, they are successful adults in part because of the years Ken stood by them and this is a vigilant part of his legacy.

Ken is survived by wife Mary Hays Mathews, of Ross Township and son Stephen Kester (fiancée Amanda Mills) of Pittsburgh and Daniel Kester of Orlando, Florida. In addition, he is survived by stepson Charles Patrick Benz of Sewickley and stepdaughter Sigrid Benz of McCandless; also, her three sons – Julian, Dylan and Sean Benz who regarded Ken as their grandfather.

Ken also loved the Lord. Just as he had an appetite for living, he possessed a particular bravery when faced with the end of life. Ken took responsibility for his health and did not fear death. He was assured of his place in heaven through his belief in Jesus Christ as His Lord and Saviour. His faith gave him something to hold onto as an anchor and an assurance when there was nothing left to control. He looked forward to the promise of Eternal Life.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2026 at 11:00 am at Christ Church at Grove Farm, 249 Duff Road, Sewickley, PA 15143 with a reception to be held at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family ask that donations be made to Christ Church at Grove Farm.