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 TOWNSEND: Kenneth Graham Gerken, 85, of West Townsend, MA, passed away peacefully at Lahey Hospital, Burlington, March 19, 2024 surrounded by family. 

 Ken was born on April 25, 1938 in Woodhaven, New York and grew up in Stony Brook, LI, NY. 

He was the son of Charles W. and Dorothy (Brodt) Gerken. Ken was a beloved husband, brother, father, stepfather,
grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend.

Ken attended Stony Brook Prep School, Long Island, NY. After graduation from
Roanoke College in Salem, VA, he enlisted in the United States Navy Aviation Helicopter Program.

He served two tours in Vietnam performing Vertical Replenishment. After four years of active duty he continued to serve in the Navy reserves and retired at the rank of Lieutenant Commander.

In 1978 Ken was presented the Navy Commendation medal for heroic achievement. He
removed a critically injured pilot from a blazing helicopter wreckage following its crash.
Ken waited with the pilot despite intense heat and threatening flames until the arrival of medical personnel and successful transport of the pilot.

After military retirement Ken received his Teacher’s Certificate and Master’s Degree
from Fitchburg State College. He taught Physical Education in the Shirley and Westford
School Systems and officiated high school sports in the region. Ken also flew the corporate helicopter for Simplex Corporation in Gardner.

Tom Trifiro, a devoted father, grandfather, and veteran, passed away peacefully at Care Dimensions Hospice House, Lincoln, Massachusetts on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at the age of 80.

He was born in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1945 to William Trifiro and Nellie Mae Kousgaard.

After high school, Tom attended college before enlisting in the Army, where he trained as a medevac pilot. He served with honor in the Vietnam War, serving 2 tours of duty.

After his active duty, Tom continued his service as a reservist while pursuing a career as a corporate pilot. He was a rare talent, rated to fly jets, fixed-wing prop planes, and helicopters. In 1976, he married Mary Zwissler Trifiro and raised a family.

Tom was known for his generous spirit and willingness to help friends and family. A man of few words, his deep, resonant voice and thoughtful advice were treasured by all who knew him. He had a quiet, reassuring presence that made others feel safe, a quality he carried with him from the big blue sky to the ground.

Tom is survived by his sisters Barbra Maitland (Husband Peter Maitland) and Susan Kocielo; his son William Conrad Trifiro (Wife Sara Jacques Trifiro) and their son Jack Trifiro; and his daughter Dorian Marie Trifiro (Husband Joseph Prosser) and her son Quentin Carroll.

Visiting Hours will be held on Tuesday, September 2, 2025 from 10 am to 11:30 am at the BLAKE CHELMSFORD FUNERAL HOME, 24 Worthen Street, CHELMSFORD followed by his funeral service at noon at the funeral home.

Interment will be held privately.

Memorial donations may be made in Tom’s memory to The Ronald McDonald House Charities - https://rmhc.org