Kenneth David “Ken” Searles, Jr.
October 30, 1949 - January 17, 2026
Kenneth David “Ken” Searles, Jr., age 76, of Felton, DE, passed away on Saturday, January 17, 2026.
Born in Rahway, NJ on October 30, 1949, he was a son of the late Kenneth David and Elsie A. (Zabel) Searles, Sr. Ken proudly served in the United States Navy. He retired from the New Jersey Turnpike Authority where he dedicated many years as a toll collector.
Ken found his greatest joy in the outdoors. He could often be found hunting, fishing, or simply spending his free time in the woods.
In addition to his parents, Ken was preceded in death by is companion, Mercedes Kenny. He is survived by his daughters, Susan Pirchio (Chad) and Heather Rock (Edward); grandsons, Benjamin Catanzariti (Amber) and Andrew Rock; many dear friends; and his beloved dogs, Sophie and Gretel.
A committal service will begin at 11 am on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, in the chapel of Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear, DE.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ken’s memory to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Dawn Janssen
Kenneth and I early on in life grew up more like brother and sister vs cousins. Many good memories of Christmas Eve with all the cousins at our grandparent’s home.
Also lived “around the corner“ , so to speak, in our apartment days.
Rest in peace Kenneth.
Lisa Zabel Darby
Kenneth was the oldest of all our cousins. It is sad to have to say goodbye. Condolences to Susan and Heather.
Deborah Yvonne Anderson
Susan and Heather…I’m truly heartbroken after learning of the passing of your father. He was a dear friend for over 16 years. What a great sense of humor he had; he kept me in stitches all of the time. He missed Merci so very much. Smiling through my tears as I think of them being reunited. Sophie and Gretel will miss him dearly. He was a good friend to me and I shall miss him as well ❤️❤️🙏
Clarence Fietje
Our sympathy to the family on Ken’s passing. We will miss ken as out neighbor, we had many good conversations with Ken.
Chris & Anna