Kenneth Dale Fox, Jr.

Kenneth Dale Fox, Jr (July 22, 1941 - May 3, 2026) has died peacefully following a long illness, leaving this world as he lived it - calm, kind, and strong. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Anne Chisholm, and his children Caitlin, Megan, Betsy (and Brian White), Nevin (and Molly), John Paul, and Robert (and Kim), and his grandchildren Amelia, Beatrice, Clara, Darcy, Phineas, and Eloise White, Charles, Andrew, Josephine, and Margaret Fox, and Abigail and Caroline Fox.  Ken was predeceased by his parents, Pauline Kiefner and Kenneth Dale Fox, and his children Joseph, Lucy, Nathaniel, Colin, Michael, and Anthony.

Ken was born and grew up in West Orange, N.J.  He moved to Boston to attend MIT in 1959.  While an undergraduate, Ken belonged to Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, played varsity lacrosse, and sang in various a capella groups. At MIT he earned the Bachelors', Masters', and Engineers' Degrees in Electrical Engineering. 

After graduation Ken joined Draper Laboratory, which was then affiliated with MIT, and worked there for his entire career, designing inertial navigation for the Apollo space program and the Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle, among other projects. He was very excited to see the DSRV play a key role in the movie “The Hunt for Red October.”  Draper allowed him daily access to the MIT athletic facilities, and Ken relished playing basketball, tennis, and squash.  

Ken also played tennis at several local clubs and served on the Board of Needham Pool and Racquet Club, where he won numerous tennis trophies in both singles and doubles. After retirement, he took up golf and played almost daily. Ken combined his love of sports with his love of children and coached many local teams.   He was his children’s and grandchildren’s ultimate fan, faithfully showing up to watch all their games.

Known for his quiet, gentle, and unassuming demeanor, Ken actively supported the interests and activities of Anne, his children, and his grandchildren, always there behind the scenes as a steady and reliable presence in their lives.  No matter what was needed, his family always knew: "Dad will fix it".  

Visitation will be held in the Eaton Funeral Home, 1351 Highland Ave, Needham, on Saturday May 9th from 10AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11am at St Joseph Church, 1360 Highland Ave, Needham. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Needham.

If you wish to make a donation in honor of Ken, please consider St. Benedict Classical Academy, 89 Union Street or The Montrose School, 29 North Street, Medfield.

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