The Rev. Dr. Kenneth A. Fiery

April 3, 2022
FIERY, KENNETH A.

The Reverend Dr. Kenneth A. Fiery, 88, longtime Nashua resident, passed away at his home, Sunday morning, April 3, 2022, after a brief illness.        

    Born in Washington, DC on March 21, 1934, he was a son of the late Robert and Elinor (Bowker) Fiery. An Air Force veteran, Dr. Fiery served from 1954 to 1957.

Ken married Rosemary Bagwell, also of Washington, DC on May 14, 1955 at the Riverdale Presbyterian Church in University Park, Maryland.

    A graduate of Andover – Newton Theological School, Dr. Fiery was an American Baptist Minister and served as pastor of the First Baptist Church in Natick, MA and the First Baptist Church in West Boylston, MA. In 1967, Ken and his family moved to Nashua, where he served as pastor of the First Baptist Church until 1976. He then began a second career as a psychotherapist in Nashua for many years.

     Ken trained as an airplane mechanic in the Air Force, but the commanders realized he was a better painter than mechanic. From then on he was the designated painter, and he ran the base coffee shop even though he didn’t drink coffee at that time.

     Later on, Rosemary saved enough money out of the family budget to pay for tuition for art classes for Ken. That began his true love of painting. Ken later took many classes and began painting “full time” in retirement.

     Ken enjoyed riding as a child and after he retired as pastor, he bought his first horse “Julie.” He continued to enjoy riding and driving for the remainder of his life. Ken’s current Registered Morgan is “Tiger” (Final Judgment).

     In 1991, Ken began a new spiritual journey, as part of this, he started the local group for “A Course in Miracles.” The group continues to meet weekly.

     In addition to his parents, Ken was predeceased by his wife of 66 years, Rosemary, who passed away November 27, 2021.

     Members of his family include his sons and daughters-in-law, John and Danielle Fiery of Amherst, NH and William Evan and Dorothy Fiery of Spotsylvania, VA; his grandchildren, Lauren and Matthew Fiery; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Everett Earl and Tess Fiery, and Wayne and Cecelia Fiery. He was also predeceased by his sister, Jeanne.

     In honor of Ken’s wishes, all services will be private. Please consider a donation in his memory to Harborcare, 77 Northeastern Boulevard, Nashua, NH 03062. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com

Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua.

15 Comments on The Rev. Dr. Kenneth A. Fiery

Chris said : Guest Report Sep 06, 2022 at 8:55 AM

I knew Ken through "A Course in Miracles" I attended in the community. Although I only knew him for a short time, I knew he was a gifted man with a wonderful presence of light. Even in his passing, he inspires me to strive to be the best version of my self. Till we meet again (and we will), shine on....

Paige Thomas-Galvin said : Guest Report Aug 02, 2022 at 3:22 PM

Hello, I am writing to let you know I have wonderful memories of both of your parents from my days riding Morgan horses with Shirley Tallman and showing your dad's beloved horse Julie. I am sorry to hear about both of them passing in such a short amount of time. They were both lovely people and I am lucky to have shared moments with them! May God bless them both.

Barbara Zeckhausen said : Guest Report Apr 19, 2022 at 5:35 PM

Dear John & Bill, I learned about your Dad's death from Liz Cooper, who is a neighbor here in Laconia. I would love to be able to share some photos of the precious paintings that we have of your Dads. He was part of the scattering of my husband Bill's ashes in Oct, 2020, and I have a photo of him from that day. If you could send me your email, I'd appreciate it. I thought I'd asked him for John's phone number, as I was wondering how I'd ever learn about his death. He was my husbands favorite person - and our whole family's too. There are lots of stories to share . I was so worried when he was trying to carry on alone. But he assured me that Danielle and the neighbors were keeping his fridge stocked. I saw him with your Mom when she was at Bedford Falls, and they seemed very optimistic, but he always was! I often talked to your Dad during his monthly infusions, when he was just hanging out at the hospital. I want to believe that he and Rosemary and Bill are all somewhere happily reunited. With affection Barb Z.

Marge Frey said : Guest Report Apr 19, 2022 at 2:59 PM

I have known Ken and Rosemary forever and they were such lovely people. I will miss them dearly, both in my life and in the neighborhood. We know they are bright stars in the sky and are looking down on all of us. Bless them both!

Marney Stoumbelis said : Guest Report Apr 19, 2022 at 11:46 AM

Ken was such a lovely warm and funny man. I knew him through the Course in Miracles community and I loved talking to him when I could. I know how much his weekly meeting group loved him and his wife. He will be deeply missed and I know we'll see his light continue to shine in the heavens.

Betty (Matsudaira) Reed said : Guest Report Apr 11, 2022 at 11:40 AM

A life well-lived. I've known Ken since we were kids and his mother, Elinor led the Camp Fire Girls Troup in Edmonston, MD. We went through Northwestern High School together, and throughout all those years, Ken was one of those people whose company was always a joy. Among all his many great qualities, and there is not enough room to list them, my favorite was the devilish twinkle in his eye when he was ready to say something hilarious, which he did frequently. Even as a young boy there was an aura about Ken that foretold his future as a man with many gifts. The previous comments are a testament to the lives he has lifted and the talents he's shared. He was truly a good soul. Though he will be greatly missed, it is a comfort to know that he has rejoined his loving wife, Rosemary for eternity. My deepest sympathy goes out to his family.

Dick and Joy Whitaker said : Guest Report Apr 10, 2022 at 10:44 AM

Our deepest condolences to you all. Such a loss so quickly after Rosemary. May the cherished memories you have bring a smile to you at this time. They are not gone, they are always in our hearts.

Priscilla and Chris Flanagan said : Guest Report Apr 09, 2022 at 7:42 AM

Our deepest condolences to the family. We knew Ken (and Rosemary) as our neighbors for years when we lived in Nashua. Their gardens were so beautiful. Ken would always love the tomatoes we would share with him. Such fine people!! Our last night in Nashua, they invited us over and we were gifted with a small painting that Ken had done of our backyard. We treasure it!!

Bruce and Elizabeth Hulslander said : Guest Report Apr 07, 2022 at 8:47 AM

Ken was both a gentle man and a gentleman. His artwork was amazing. One of his prints hangs in our office and is often admired by our patients and enjoyed by both Bruce and me. Our deepest condolences to you all as you reminisce on a life well lived. Rest in peace, Ken!

Karen said : Guest Report Apr 07, 2022 at 7:53 AM

What a lovely tribute to Ken. I only knew him professionally and was not aware of a lot of personal information. I was privileged to know him. He was a wonderful kind soul, may he rest in peace with his beloved Rosemary. Thoughts and prayers for your family.

Donna M Hastings said : Guest Report Apr 06, 2022 at 8:57 PM

I knew Ken from a therapy consultation group. I used to send out postcards with his paintings announcing his art shows. I still have some trimmed to fit in the frame of a perpetual calendar. A fine man and bright light has left us. My prayers and condolences.

Carl Hindy said : Guest Report Apr 06, 2022 at 7:49 PM

I came to know Ken as a colleague in a counselor collaboration/support group during his years as a pastoral psychotherapist. Ken is sealed in my memory as a most genuine, and caring person who worked so hard to understand and help others. I should add that all four of my children knew Ken’s wife, Rosemary, as the schoolhouse equivalent in their years as children attending Birch Hill elementary school. They were special people.

Janice (Merrill) Miller said : Guest Report Apr 06, 2022 at 2:48 PM

I loved both Ken and Rosemary dearly. As a high school student in the 1960s during Ken's pastorate at the First Baptist Church of Nashua, I learned, through Ken's guidance, to live my faith by seeking social justice. As part of our youth group experience, Ken introduced us to a program called "Project Friendship," teaming older youth with younger children in a mentor situation. He was always an inspiration--so intelligent, so talented, and yet so humble. He will be missed. I send my condolences to John, Bill, and their families.

Michael Mulvey said : Guest Report Apr 06, 2022 at 9:48 AM

Sorry to read about your dad's passing, Bill. It's a hard thing when they're both gone. A void that doesn't get filled. I wish you all the best. Both of your parents were really nice people.

Rev. Margaret Lewis, Pastor said : Guest Report Apr 05, 2022 at 6:43 PM

On behalf of the members of First Baptist Church Nashua, I offer our deepest condolences. I think of Ken often when walking by a beautiful painting he gave us, now hanging in our Narthex. He was a very talented artist and a kind soul. I’m grateful to have known him, even if only just a bit. God love Ken. God bless him. God keep him safe.

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