September 2, 2021
This month, Kenwood would like to feature Joe K. as a new resident. Carol K., Joe’s wife, is a long time volunteer at Kenwood and has donated her time and resources to improving the lives of our residents. Carol goes by many names as she volunteers, with the most common being the “Hamburger Lady” as she regularly brings over 35 McDonald’s hamburgers to give to the residents. Even during the pandemic, Carol dropped off hamburgers at the door for staff to distribute. Joe and Carol have lived extraordinary lives and their generosity and kindness has touched everyone they meet.
Joe K. ‘s grandparents immigrated from Poland and Hungary in 1908. Joe was born at home on August 13, 1937 near Miltown, New Jersey. He is of Catholic Faith and at Confirmation Practice, while in 9th grade, he met Carol. While at South River High School they became childhood sweethearts and married at Our Lady of Lourdes Church on September 13, 1958, where they both had received all of the sacraments. Joe enlisted in the U.S. Army from 1960-1964, was a Mess Sergeant and was Honorably Discharged receiving the rank of Sgt. E5. He and Carol built a house near Princeton, New Jersey and welcomed their first child in 1961 and second child in 1966. Joe loves and has owned many cats (presently Pumpkin & Mittens), dogs (his favorite: Heide), gardening, remodeling their home, and fishing. He loved traveling in Alaska and joining Carol on some of her international trips, especially Poland and Scotland.