Former Boston Marathon Runner Dies

Kenneth A. "Kenny" Prue, 79, died July 3 at Overlook Masonic Health Center in Charlton. Kenny was a long-time resident of both Grafton and Shrewsbury.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Beverly (Francis) Prue, his daughters Patricia Dykstra and her husband Kevin, Linda Casey and her husband Richard, Jr., Lisa Lawrence and her husband Paul, and Michelle Prue-Ellis and her husband Douglas.

Kenny also leaves his grandchildren Jonathan, Samantha, and Matthew Lawrence, Kenneth (Drew) Tufts, Annette and Jack Ellis, Caroline, Benjamin, and Nathaniel Dykstra, Tyler and Eric Casey, and Andrea Collette and her husband Gary, and great-grandchildren Hannah and Owen Collette, who will all miss their beloved "Pepere". He also leaves several nieces and nephews. Kenny's brother Richard Prue and sister Claire Hehir predeceased him.

Kenny was born May 19, 1933 at his family's home in North Grafton, son of the late Irene (Lanciault) and Ernest Prue. He grew up in Grafton graduating from Grafton High School before attending Springfield College where he earned his B.A. in Education and his master's degree from Worcester State College.

He married his wife Beverly before serving two years in the U.S. Army. Following his military service he began teaching Physical Education, briefly in Auburn and for many years in Framingham. Kenny simply loved teaching and interacting with thousands of students over his 35 year career before retiring in 1993. In addition to teaching he was a referee for high school football and basketball for many years, which included serving as President of the Central Mass Football Officials Organization.

Kenny also was an avid runner, having completed the Boston Marathon three times. Those who knew Kenny also know there wasn't a more loyal Patriots fan anywhere. A season ticket-holder for 42 years, he rarely missed a game and friends will remember seeing him even through the harshest winters heading to Foxborough in his winter hat, parka and shorts.

He and his wife Beverly greatly enjoyed retirement, spending several winters in Florida and summers at their home in Wells, ME. When they were at home in Massachusetts spending time with their grandchildren was one of life's great joys.

Kenny's family would like to thank the staff at Overlook Masonic Health Center for their kindness and for the outstanding care they provided for him during his time there.

In lieu of flowers his family requests donations in Kenny's memory to Overlook Masonic Health Center c/o Rehabilitation Department 88 Masonic Home Road Charlton, MA 01507.

All are invited to calling hours for Kenny Sunday July 8 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Roney Funeral Home 152 Worcester St., North Grafton. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday July 9th at 10:30am at St. Mary's Church 17 Waterville St. North Grafton. He will then be laid to rest with Military Honors at Lakeview Cemetery in Upton. Directions and an online condolence book to share memories of Kenny are available at: www.RoneyFuneralHome.com.