Charles "Ken" Molander

Charles Kenneth Molander, age 83, of Marco Island, FL passed away peacefully on January 25th, 2024. He was born in Hartford, CT on July 13, 1940, the oldest of four children born to Margaret Mary Cannon and Kenneth Charles Molander. Throughout his life, he brought immense joy, wisdom, and love to those who were fortunate enough to know him.

He was preceded in death by his parents Margaret Mary Cannon Molander and Kenneth Charles Molander, as well as his brother, Ronald Molander.

Charles Kenneth Molander, "Ken", was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Priscilla Morgan Molander, “Pam”, for nearly 60 years. Ken and Pam met while undergraduate students at UCONN. Together, they built a life full of cherished family memories, raising their 4 children, overcoming challenges, celebrating triumphs and traveling to over 40 countries side by side. The laughter they shared echoed through the years, brightening the lives of everyone who had the privilege of knowing them.

Known as “Kimmie” to his family while growing up and “Ken” to everyone else, Ken was athletic and fit, from playing baseball and basketball in his youth, to running and walking as an adult. Ken was the first Molander to graduate from college. After graduating, he proudly served our country for four years in the Air Force before transitioning to the private sector. There, he engaged in insurance sales, briefly owned and operated a speed-reading franchise, and ultimately retired after a successful career as a regional vice president specializing in selling mutual funds. Ken and Pam spent the majority of their lives in New England, later retiring to Marco Island, FL fulfilling a dream to live on the water. There, Ken proudly served as president on the Marco Island Men’s Club board, as well as, the Marco Island Architectural Review Committee. Ken also enjoyed spending time fishing and on the golf course with friends and family.

Ken has two sisters, Judy and Debbie, who shared a lifetime of memories with him. Whether teasing Ken about his “limbo champ” title or his ability to escape punishment, the laughter the three would share when together was truly contagious. The love they shared exemplified the resilience of family bonds.

As a father, Ken was a pillar of encouragement, support and guidance to his 4 children, Robin, Wendy, Tracey and Todd. He instilled in them the values of love, hard work, perseverance, and kindness. It was not uncommon for Ken to adjust his weekly travel schedule to attend any of the sporting events his children participated in, whether it was football, basketball, cross country, or track meets. If he could be there, he was. The family relished countless card games filled with hearty laughter, usually sparked by Ken's infectious "mumbly laugh" or his mischievous grin across his "baby face" when he was winning. His legacy lives on through the lessons he imparted and the strong, close-knit family he helped create.

Family was the center of Ken’s world, and his role as a grandfather brought him immeasurable joy. He delighted in the accomplishments, talents, laughter and love of his grandchildren: Randy, Kyra, Jennifer, Arianna, Bryce, Emilia, Ryan and reveled in the special moments shared with each of them. Whether they were fishing together from his dock or just talking and laughing over drinks at happy hour, they all knew how proud he was and how much he loved them. A true testament to the circle of life, Jerrett Jay Obrecht, Ken’s first great-grandchild, was born just four days prior to his passing, with another great-grandchild on the way.

An authentic gentleman, Ken was known for his generosity, compassion for others, and silly sense of humor. He touched the lives of many with his kindness and was a source of wisdom for those who sought his advice. It was not uncommon for Ken, along with his beloved wife Pam, to provide support for individuals outside of the family who, while working hard, needed a helping hand to accomplish goals. Whether it be college tuition, travel program assistance, small business donations or co-signing mortgages for first homes, he made his belief in people clear and never hesitated to express how proud he was of accomplishments achieved through hard work. His presence will be deeply missed, but the memories of the love and laughter he brought into the lives of his family and friends will endure.

Ken is survived by his loving wife, Pam; his sisters, Judith (Russell Deag) and Deborah (Ken Kearns); his children, Robin (Randy Gibson), Wendy (Barry Levenson), Tracey (Alex Torello) and Todd Kenneth (Christine Glos); his grandchildren Randy Gibson, Jr. (Mary Anna Askew), Kyra Molander Levenson, Jennifer Gibson (Jeremy Obrecht), Arianna Torello (Blake Marin), Bryce Molander Levenson, Emilia Torello, Ryan Kenneth Molander; great-grandchild, Jerrett Obrecht; and, many nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family extends their deepest, heartfelt gratitude to the healthcare professionals and caregivers who provided compassionate support to Ken during his 4-year battle with Alzheimer's disease and in his final days.

In lieu of flowers, the family would be grateful for donations made to either of the charities below in Charles Kenneth Molander's memory.

The Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, where Ken’s legacy lives on through the donation of his brain to help further research:

Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist

Office of Philanthropy and Alumni Relations

Attn: Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center

PO Box 571021

Winston-Salem, NC 27157

Lower Cape Fear LifeCare where Ken was warmly cared for with dignity during his final days:

https://lifecare.org/donate/

May Ken's soul rest in eternal peace, and may his memory continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. A celebration of Ken’s life will be held on Marco Island, FL, at a time yet to be determined.