Kenneth R. Stanley of Sandwich, MA passed away peacefully at home on May 26 after a long battle with dementia. He was 71 years old.

He was born in Tucson, AZ, the son of George Stanley and Charlotte M. (Stanley) Theg. He later moved to New Bedford with his mother and sister, where he made many lifelong friends.

He graduated from New Bedford High School and earned his Bachelor's Degree from Southeastern Massachusetts University, now U. Mass Dartmouth. He would later attend Kinyon Campbell Business School where he studied computer science.

He had a very lucrative and rewarding career working as a Payroll and Human Resources Software Consultant at Infinium Software Company in Hyannis, earning several awards, including Project of the Year and Consultant of the Year and Admiral's Club status twice. Within the scope of his position at Infinium, he had the opportunity to travel extensively, working at Fortune 500 companies, creating and cultivating business relationships, earning the appreciation and respect of all he worked with.

He loved sports and participated extensively throughout his lifetime; from Little League to playing intramural flag football at SMU to playing softball for Pleasant Motors in the TriTown Softball League and Ronnie's Café in the Greater New Bedford Softball league, where he was lead-off hitter and played outfield. The team would go on to win multiple championships. During those softball days, his friends gave him the nickname Hambone, which later became shortened to Hammer, a moniker that friends affectionately referred to him the rest of his life.

While working in Worcester in the 80's, he met the love of his life, Mary Miller and the two were married in 1986. They eventually settled in the town of Sandwich, where they raised their children Melissa and Kenny. A devoted husband and father, he was a good provider to his wife and children, and was extremely proud of his family.

Ken was a loyal New York Yankees fan, New York Giants fan, and Celtics fan. He took great joy in bringing his six year-old son to his first Yankee's game at Yankee stadium. The two would go on to make annual trips to Yankee stadium as well as trips to various ballparks to see the Yankees play, including Camden Yards in Baltimore and Oakland Coliseum in California. His daughter Melissa would often join her father and brother at games at Yankee Stadium, while a student Fordham University. Ken attended many Celtics games, including playoff games in 1986.

He loved music and enjoyed listening to his brother play guitar. His favorite musical group, however, was The Rolling Stones, and he attended many of their concerts over the years.

Known for his sense of humor and dry wit, Ken developed many friendships throughout his life. But, by far, his most important friendship was with Michael Greene, the two meeting at 11 years old and remaining close friends for the next 60 years.

Ken was predeceased by his parents, George and Charlotte. He leaves his wife, Mary Stanley of Sandwich, his daughter Melissa K., of West Hollywood, CA and his son Kenneth M. Stanley of Vermont. He also leaves his sister, Lori Normandin of Rhode Island and her partner Thomas Trinque, his brother Richard Theg and his wife, Gayle, of Dartmouth. He leaves his brother-in-law Ralph Miller of Falmouth, MA and several nieces and nephews. He also leaves his aunt Lin Riley of California and many cousins.

A wake will be held at Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford, on Tuesday, June 4th from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. A funeral service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, 16 Temple Place, Fairhaven on Wednesday, June 5th at 11 AM, all are invited to meet directly at church.  The family asks that donations be made to the charity of one's choice.