Kenneth W. Harmer, age 61, of Toms River, NJ passed away peacefully on August 20, 2019, just nineteen days after the 31st anniversary of his heart transplant on August 1, 1988. Kenneth is preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Lillian Harmer (nee Booth) also of Toms River. In addition to his parents, he is also predeceased by his brother Walter III, his brother Robert Harmer Sr and Robert's grandson, Robert Harmer III. Also there to greet Kenneth will be his brother in law Richard Gregg of Beachwood, NJ, his nephew and Godson Kevin Gregg of Barnegat, NJ, and his nephew David Harmer of Toms River, NJ.
Kenneth is survived by his daughter, Victoria (Tori) Harmer of Beachwood, his son Kenneth (Mike) Harmer, two grandchildren, Kannon and Kylie Harmer, and his grandchildren's mother, Alexa. In addition he is survived by his brother Daniel Harmer and wife Jean of Virginia, brother Thomas Harmer and his wife Robin of Virginia, brother Donald Harmer and his wife Ellen of Toms River, his sister Pauline Gregg of Toms River, his sister Mae Howard and her husband Russell of Monroe Twp, and his sister in law Joy Harmer, wife of his late brother Robert Harmer. He had so many nieces and nephews and friends and extended family who absolutely adored him. The list could go on endlessly.
Kenneth was happiest when he was doing what he could to help others. He was a Lifeguard in his youth, and as a career, he had found his calling as a nurse who was loved, respected and admired by his co-workers and patients alike. Kenneth was the rare gem in our family. And like a rare gem, he was precious and multifaceted. His own interests included running, swimming, boxing, weight training, painting and electric trains. He also held a loving and genuine interest in each and every friend and family's interests. If it interested you, it interested him. Kenneth's path in life was not always an easy one, but he had a wonderful sense of humor with an infectious grin and could keep his loved ones smiling even when the chips were down.
Ken had a huge heart and in better days, his concern for others always came before his own needs. His most paramount desire in life was for family to always love one another and have each other's backs no matter what the circumstances might be. Family was everything to him. Besides Ken's heart transplant, he had overcome cancer 20 years ago. Ken was kind of like the "little engine that could." And he did. However, the day arrived when it finally became time for our family's precious rare gem to rest. The family chain is broken once again and Kenneth will be missed and his memory cherished and held in our hearts until the end of time.
A memorial service is planned for Kenneth at Anderson and Campbell Funeral Home, 703 Main St. in Toms River on Thursday, August 29th between the hours of 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
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