Kenneth Edward Bloomfield Jr.

Ken was born into a loving family, as the oldest child. His father, Kenneth Sr., mother Annie (Richards of Canada) settled in Ken Sr. hometown of Wyandotte, Michigan. The family grew to include 4 more children: Richard, Jerry, Ann and Maribeth, who have all remained close and caring of each other.

Ken spent his youth in Wyandotte and went to his parish school of St. Patricks’ – grades 1-12, he then attended 4 years at the University of Detroit studying Aeronautical Engineering. His heart, however, desired to serve his country, as did many others, in the extended Bloomfield family. His most notable influence – Uncle Jack.

Ken was accepted to the United States Military Academy and in 1960 entered, to become part of the graduation class of 1964. His experiences there gave him a lifelong love of West Point and friendships that would last his entire life. His time there was well spent, with many events of import and special remembrance. His experience marching in JFK’s inauguration parade and JFK’s funeral procession, one of only 15 cadets to do both. He was a fierce intramural boxer with 15 knockouts in a row. Two low points of his academy time were swim class and French. He really never went into the water, except on rare occasions even though he lived at the Jersey Shore nearly 25 years. French…his MOS declares he is fluent in same. He was a plebe turnout and never liked anything French again, except Chateau Neuf Du Pape.

After graduating with “butter bars” on his shoulders, he completed Ranger and Airborne School. Then onto assignments in Germany, Vietnam, Massachusetts, Maryland and Arizona. His service in Vietnam as an Infantry Company Commander garnered him three Bronze Stars and the love and respect of his men.

His career in the military over, he proceeded to the “wonderful world of business” starting with employment at H. Ross Perot’s EDS in IT. He functioned mainly in back room support for Commodities, working for J. P. Morgan, Paine Webber, UBS and others. He was a Director/VP for most of his business career.

His last day in NYC came on 9-11. He was under the 2nd plane that exited the WTC. He resigned the next day and only returned to NYC twice more.

Having left NYC, he was offered a position in Chicago and retired there in 2008. He loved the City of Chicago and particularly, the fact that he had a 4 block commute. Those were the days!

Retirement found him in an RV and on the road, to all the wonderful places American has to offer. He made fond note of camping in Big Bend, Texas during tarantula mating season.

Finally, settling in Virginia on eight acres in a home built in 1732 (and in need of work), his life journey came to an end.

He was a man of great composure, a true gentleman and a friend and helper of many. His memory will be cherished.

Ken married in 1964, three days after graduating from West Point, to Rose Chilton, the “Ladycliff Girl” (approved and loved by Ellen and Andy). It must have been love, because it lasted 55 years. Ken’s shining glory was his son, Kenneth IV. His heart always beat faster when they were together, unspoken admiration between the two of them. Ken and his wonderful wife Deb lived in Chicago.

Richard & Debbie Bloomfield, Gerald & Judy Bloomfield, Ann (Taffy) and Phil Tait, Maribeth & Larry Doezema, are his surviving siblings and spouses. They and their extended families, nieces, nephews and cousins carry his life story forward.

Among others, he leaves the close relations of his wife’s family. Karen Chilton and Robert Hahn, nephew Eric and wife Iryna (son Henryk) and nephew Patrick. A much loved, yet distant grandson, Andrew Lawrence, will have the knowledge of his grandfathers’ great joy of knowing him.

Kenneth will be buried at West Point Cemetery on May 10, 2019. He will join his infant son’s KEB III and Andrew Kenneth. Mass will be at the Holy Trinity Chapel at 1 p.m. and officiated by Robert’s brother Msgr. Gerald Hahn.

Burial immediately following at West Point Cemetery, then a reception at Herbert Hall to refresh and relax.

In the spirit of Ken’s love of animals, Little Girl, Louie, Handsome, Mina, Star, Sadie, Clementine, and Liberty (dogs); Miss America, Malpedes, Big Guy, Fluffy, Marlboro, Miss Mew (cats), please honor him with a donation to your favorite no kill shelter.

It will be a time of celebration for “Himself”.