Kenneth E. Lavoie, 98, of Manchester, NH, passed away at home on October 1, 2026 after a period of declining health. He was born in Manchester, NH, on July 26, 1928, a son of the late Albini and Rita (Bouthiette) Lavoie. On August 11, 1951, he married Therese “Terry” Boisvert and they shared 75 years of an incredible journey together.

Kenneth was a 1948 graduate of Central High School and attended Saint Anselm College and Northeastern University. As a Naval Reservist, he was activated to serve in the United States Navy during the Korean War and served aboard the destroyer tender, Dixie, which participated in the invasion of North Korea above the 38th parallel and later served aboard the destroyer, AD Cushing.

Kenneth was a former member of the Knights of Columbus, president of the Optimist Club and Treasurer of the Manchester Insurance Association. He started his career as a laboratory technician for International Shoe Company, where he managed to rise to supervisor and was later put in charge of their Industrial Relations Department, where he worked until the company moved to St. Louis. As a Real Estate and Insurance Broker, he joined the Gordon McCown Group and ran the General Insurance department, eventually purchasing the agency. After retiring early, he worked for H&R Block and as a volunteer for the AARP Tax Aid program. Not known to relax, he worked as an Insurance Adjuster, Property Appraiser, and property inspector for mortgage companies.

Kenneth enjoyed playing piano. He also played multiple sports throughout his life, especially tennis and golf with his sports partner and wife of 75 years, Terry. During their marriage, they traveled extensively, visiting several countries and finally settling to become Florida snowbirds. It was “A Wonderful Life” as the movie depicts but living it was reality.

Kenneth is survived by his wife, Therese “Terry” Lavoie of Manchester; his daughter, Leslie Ann Cooper of Manchester; his son, Kevin Lavoie and his wife Wendy of Loudon; his grandson, Kenneth H. Lavoie and his wife Marissa of Amherst; his brother-in-law, Raymond Boisvert and his wife Irene of Manchester; two great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews, and many close friends. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers, Donald, Richard and David Lavoie; and his son-in-law, Russell Cooper.

Kenneth’s services will be held on Friday, October 9, 2026 at Phaneuf Funeral Homes & Crematorium, 243 Hanover Street, Manchester, NH. A Memorial Gathering will be held from 2PM-3:30PM with a Memorial Service at 3:30PM.

Kenneth’s family would like to thank the VA Medical Center for the kind and compassionate care they provided. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the VA Medical Center of Manchester by contacting the VAMC Manchester Voluntary Service at 603-624-4366 ext. 206422 

To view Kenneth's online tribute, send condolences to his family, or for more information, visit www.phaneuf.net