William Kenneth "Ken" Bahrs
November 16, 1942 ~ March 18, 2024 (age 81) 81 Years Old
Tribute
William Kenneth Bahrs, Jr. (1942-2024)
William "Ken/Kenny" Bahrs, Jr., passed away peacefully at home in Sea Bright, New Jersey on March 18, 2024. He was 81 years old. Ken, the only child of Edna and William K. Bahrs Sr., was a lifetime Monmouth County resident and grew up in Highlands N.J. where he attended Henry Hudson High School. He continued his education at Nathaniel Hawthorne College and after graduating, served 2 years in the U.S. Army. He was honorably discharged in 1968.
Following his time in the service, Ken returned home and joined his father in the family marine contracting business. Ken would work alongside his dad until taking over W.K. Bahrs Company when senior retired, making it his life's work. Ken's honesty, talent, work ethic and good nature earned him an excellent reputation and provided he and his crew with plenty of jobs in the Shrewsbury and Navesink rivers. Much of his work still stands today, including at Bahrs Landing and Marina.
Kenny was the life of the party and his smile lit up every room he entered. His renowned Christmas in July parties on Miller Street were a Highlands favorite and he hosted memorable Christmas Eve open houses, at his residence in Sea Bright, where absolutely everyone was welcome. He loved Florida, especially Key West, and took many trips with friends there over the years. He was an avid boater and fisherman and spent countless hours on the water.
Ken, known as Pop-Pop to his four grandsons, loved spending time with them. He shared his passion for amusement parks with the boys and often took them to Great Adventure to ride the roller coasters (Nitro was his favorite). He also enjoyed watching their games and cheering them on whenever he could.
Ken will be remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing him, as kind, funny, genuine and resilient. He was a phenomenal father, an amazing grandfather and a wonderful friend. He handled adversity with courage, grace and a positive outlook always. He lived life to the fullest, on his terms, each and every day.
Ken is survived by his son, Billy Bahrs, his daughter Emily Valentino, his son-in-law Damian Valentino, his four grandchildren, Luke, Drew, Nicholas and Justin Valentino, as well as numerous family members and friends.
A memorial service will be held at Jon E. Day funeral home in Red Bank on Monday, 3/25 from 4:00-8:00.
A repast where we will celebrate Ken's life will be held on Tuesday, 3/26 at Bahrs Landing Restaurant from 12:00-3:00.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Abramson Cancer Center at UPenn Hospital.
William "Ken/Kenny" Bahrs, Jr., passed away peacefully at home in Sea Bright, New Jersey on March 18, 2024. He was 81 years old. Ken, the only child of Edna and William K. Bahrs Sr., was a lifetime Monmouth County resident and grew up in Highlands N.J. where he attended Henry Hudson High School. He continued his education at Nathaniel Hawthorne College and after graduating, served 2 years in the U.S. Army. He was honorably discharged in 1968.
Following his time in the service, Ken returned home and joined his father in the family marine contracting business. Ken would work alongside his dad until taking over W.K. Bahrs Company when senior retired, making it his life's work. Ken's honesty, talent, work ethic and good nature earned him an excellent reputation and provided he and his crew with plenty of jobs in the Shrewsbury and Navesink rivers. Much of his work still stands today, including at Bahrs Landing and Marina.
Kenny was the life of the party and his smile lit up every room he entered. His renowned Christmas in July parties on Miller Street were a Highlands favorite and he hosted memorable Christmas Eve open houses, at his residence in Sea Bright, where absolutely everyone was welcome. He loved Florida, especially Key West, and took many trips with friends there over the years. He was an avid boater and fisherman and spent countless hours on the water.
Ken, known as Pop-Pop to his four grandsons, loved spending time with them. He shared his passion for amusement parks with the boys and often took them to Great Adventure to ride the roller coasters (Nitro was his favorite). He also enjoyed watching their games and cheering them on whenever he could.
Ken will be remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing him, as kind, funny, genuine and resilient. He was a phenomenal father, an amazing grandfather and a wonderful friend. He handled adversity with courage, grace and a positive outlook always. He lived life to the fullest, on his terms, each and every day.
Ken is survived by his son, Billy Bahrs, his daughter Emily Valentino, his son-in-law Damian Valentino, his four grandchildren, Luke, Drew, Nicholas and Justin Valentino, as well as numerous family members and friends.
A memorial service will be held at Jon E. Day funeral home in Red Bank on Monday, 3/25 from 4:00-8:00.
A repast where we will celebrate Ken's life will be held on Tuesday, 3/26 at Bahrs Landing Restaurant from 12:00-3:00.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Abramson Cancer Center at UPenn Hospital.
To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.
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