Kenneth Steven Halpern

Ken was born on July 7, 1933, in Brooklyn, New York, to Julius and Pearl Halpern. When he was five years old, the family moved to New London, Connecticut, where he spent his childhood. New London remained one of his favorite places throughout his life.  Many happy memories were rooted there, including his high school education at The Bulkley School, an experience so important that Ken returned nearly every year for an all-school reunion, wearing his Bulkley-orange sweater and leading his fellow classmates in song.

He attended the University of Connecticut, where he earned both his undergraduate and law degrees. Following his service in the United States Army, he married, Judith “Judy” Chalkin, on March 1, 1958. For 55 years, until her passing in 2013, they built a life filled with love, laughter, family, friendships and a shared commitment to public service.

Ken practiced law for more than 40 years. He often joked that after four decades he “never really got the hang of it,” so he retired - just the kind of line that made everyone around him smile.

Service to others was an important part of Ken’s life. He served as a congressional aide to U.S. Representative William R. Cotter and later as a member of the West Hartford Town Council. Alongside Judy, he was active in local politics and civic life (Judy devoted her own career to education and public service, first as a schoolteacher and later with the State of Connecticut, where she directed programs promoting volunteerism in schools for the Governor’s office and led the statewide Student Advisory Board).  

 Ken loved skiing, golfing, playing pool and cards, reading, dancing, and spending time with family and friends. A lifelong lover of jazz, he enjoyed both listening to it and making it, playing the tenor saxophone and teaching his son to do the same.

 His adventurous spirit was evident throughout his life.  On a ski trip to Mount Snow, Ken and a close friend stopped for lunch on the mountain. From their backpacks they produced not just sandwiches, but a tablecloth, plates, a candelabra, and enough food and drink to share with other skiers who wandered by.  

His devotion to UConn athletics was equally legendary. During the energy crisis of the 1970s, he and a friend refused to miss an away-Huskies football game. They drove until they had used half a tank of gas, rented a car to finish the trip, returned it after the game, and then used their remaining gasoline to drive home. 

 Ken's love of adventure likely began in childhood. One evening, while sitting at home in New London with his parents and his sister, someone mentioned craving Nathan’s hot dogs from Coney Island. Rather than letting it remain a passing thought, the family piled into the car, drove to Brooklyn, enjoyed hot dogs and an evening strolling the boardwalk, and then drove home that very night. It was one of Ken’s favorite stories.  

Whether at a happy hour, on the dance floor, around a card table, listening to jazz, or celebrating life’s milestones, Ken loved to socialize. His booming, infectious laugh made other's laugh, especially anyone sitting near him during a Mel Brook’s movie.  

Ken was predeceased by his beloved wife, Judy; his parents, Julius and Pearl Halpern; and his sister, Miriam (“Mimi”) Jadovich.

He is survived by his daughter, Heidi Halpern; his son, Robert Halpern and daughter-in-law, Naomi; his niece, Jody Morris; and his cherished grandsons, Max and Jacob, who knew him simply as Grandpa and who brought him immeasurable pride and joy.

Donations may be made in his name at cancercare.org.