Kenneth J. Atherton of Essex Junction, Vt., died on May 6, 2026, at the McClure Miller Respite House in Colchester, Vt.
He was born in Burlington, Vt., on March 9, 1945, the son of Kenneth H. and Ruth (Cushing) Atherton. On June 17, 1967, he married Norma (Tillotson) Atherton at Jericho Center Congregational Church.
Ken grew up in Hinesburg, Vt. He worked many years for R.B. Goodrich Construction in South Burlington. In 1992, he started Atherton Garage and Atherton Snow Removal and Lawn Maintenance. He loved restoring old cars and trucks.
Ken was an avid deer hunter, bagging his last deer on November 29, 2024, at 79 years of age, a 185-pound 7-pointer.
He is survived by his loving wife, Norma; their three sons, Norm (Nichole Shattuck) of Jericho, Vt., Stacy (Jennifer Champney) of Holland, Vt., and Kevin of Cutler, Ohio; brothers David of Enosburg Falls, Vt., and Gay (Cathy Paronto) of St. George, Vt.; and sister-in-law Sandy Tillotson of Flagler, Fla. He was predeceased by his mother; father; brothers Robert, Dean and Lee Roy; sister-in-law Patricia Atherton; and brother-in-law, David Tillotson.
Ken had 10 grandchildren, two great-granddaughters, and several nieces and nephews. He will be missed by special friends and family: Jennifer Jernigan, Miranda Benninghove-LeRoux, Marvin and Helen Bicknell, Mary Monnin, Murray Hunt, Donna Bugbee, and David and Luana Bugbee.
A Celebration of Life will be held for Ken on Saturday, May 23, 2026 at Jericho Center Congregational Church, Jericho Center, Vt., where he and Norma married almost 59 years ago. It will begin at 11 a.m., with food and friendship following the service.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Bayada Hospice, 463 Mountain View Dr., Colchester, VT 05446 or McClure Miller Respite House, 3113 Roosevelt Hwy., Colchester, VT 05446.