Kenneth W. Taber

Born in New Bedford, son of the late Kenneth E. and Dorothy (Patnaude) Taber, he was a lifelong area resident and a communicant of St. Gabriel the Archangel Parish.

Ken graduated from New Bedford Vocational High School and later went on to serve in the United States Air Force for four years where he earned the rank of Sergeant. Afterwards, he returned home and worked 30 years as a mechanic for the United Parcel Service (UPS), from which he retired.

Ken loved nature and was a true outdoorsman. Fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, or just walking in the woods, Ken was happiest when he was outside and took every opportunity he could to go up to his place in Maine, his favorite place on earth, with his German Shorthaired Pointer.

The Taber family would like to thank the staff at Hathaway Manor for their wonderful care and extraordinary compassion provided to them at their time of need over the past couple of months. They would also like to thank his dedicated and devoted team at Dana Farber and St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center. This amazing group of providers not only provided Ken with the best possible care available, they also took care of the entire family over the past 14 months.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Kelly Chasse and Patrick Chasse of Acushnet; his two grandchildren, Alaina and Nathan, who were the love of his life; his sister Linda Taber of Deland, Florida; his brother Gary Taber and wife Nancy of Newbury, MA; his sister-in-law Sandra Taber of New Bedford, MA, his brother-in-law Jack Hartley of Assonet, MA, and many nieces, nephews, family, and friends. Ken was predeceased by his son, Shane Taber, his sister D. Gail Hartley, and brother, Dana Taber.

His visitation will be Wednesday, January 10, 2024 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Rock Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Boulevard, New Bedford followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. Gabriel the Archangel Parish, 343 Tarkiln Hill Road, New Bedford, MA 02745. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery, 274 Main Street, Fairhaven, MA 02719. For online tribute/directions:www.rock-funeralhome.com.