Kenneth Earl Larkin

Kenneth (Ken) Earl Larkin, 64, of Orrtanna after an extended illness accepted and embraced eternal life on January 1, 2024, at Wellspan York Hospital, with fiancée Brenda “Breezie” Riley by his side.

Born November 16, 1959, Tachikawa, Japan, Ken came into the world through a high-risk delivery; the attending physician said of his recovery, “Surely Providence has a place for this child in this world.” He was the son of Henry Everett Larkin (USAF Retired) and Geraldine Hemler Larkin, Hanover and had been named after his grandfather “Cap” Arthur Earl Larkin (USCG Retired) and his close friend Kenneth “Ken” Lamphere of Westerly, Rhode Island.

Ken attended several grade schools due to his father’s military service including what is now St. Teresa of Calcutta Catholic School at Conewago Basilica, Hanover. He attended New Oxford High School, completing his secondary education through GED certificate. Ken took courses through York College of Pennsylvania.

He worked in various capacities throughout his life at Roy Rogers Family Restaurant, the local Alwine Brick Yard, Sheppard’s Steering Gear Manufacturer as a precision grinder, SKF Bearing Manufacturer, and Tyco, labor grade 10. Ken was also a construction worker who specialized in flooring. As an accomplished acoustic and electric guitarist and a vocalist, he belonged to a variety of bands. Until his illness, he was General Manager at Artillery Ridge Campground, Gettysburg where he delighted in his knowledge and deep appreciation of people and horsemanship which he learned from his older sister Rosemary. He often accompanied owner Jim Kralick through horseback tours of the battlefield.

Ken loved driving fast sports cars and fast motorcycles, skiing, and traveling, especially his Alaskan trip with his older brother AJ. Ken hunted early as a young man and often brought home pheasants, ducks, and rabbits which his mother prepared and taught him how to clean. Ken loved to cook and grill. He also kept a pigeon coop as an adolescent in the backyard, fascinated with their flying. He was intrigued by reptiles; his Anaconda sometimes got loose in the house.

Ken loved all animals, especially his dogs Sabby and Keegan, although he had many pets throughout his life. He had acquired great patience, and over a period of months trained a chipmunk, “Chip,” to eat out of his hand.

In his early years, he excelled in art, drawing, carving, and mechanics. He worked diligently upgrading older hot rod vehicles through his talent and enthusiasm. Ken also owned and managed a landscaping business for a number of years and was always eager to learn more about flowers and fauna, bushes, and trees. He invested in many aquariums and learned much about freshwater aquatic life.

Another hobby was photography which he dedicated himself to for quite a while.

Sailing was yet another great passion for Ken who owned his own sailboat and spent a great deal of time on the water at places like nearby Codorus Lake and off the shore of Elizabeth City, NC with many trips down Alligator River and to Manteo. In his later years, he spent hours reading and watching boat and ship restorations which he found exciting. His father had taught him all about deep sea fishing, and he spent many a summer off Montauk Point looking for “Charlie.” He could gather bait crabs, hook, and cast, reeling in many varieties of seafood.

He kept abreast of national and international politics.

Ken was particularly happy helping at the annual Hemler family reunion whether in New York or in Pennsylvania, working to assist the hosts in any capacity he could. He truly loved his uncles, aunts, and cousins and spent quality time with them around the fire, singing and playing guitar, and sharing stories of his escapades.

He is survived by one daughter, Melanie Brown, her husband Anthony Brown, KY and their two daughters, one stepson, two great grandsons, and one great granddaughter. Additionally surviving are his brother Stephen Everett Larkin (USN Retired) and wife Lisa Lamarre (USN Retired), Chesapeake, VA, brother Alan Joseph (AJ) Larkin (USCG Retired), Elizabeth City, NC, sister Dana Larkin Sauers and husband Kent, five nieces, nine nephews, seven grandnieces and seven grandnephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister Rosemary Larkin (VA Beach Mounted Police Department Retired) and brother Arthur Earl Larkin ll.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Basilica on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at 2:30 PM. The family has entrusted the funeral arrangements to Panebaker Funeral Home, 311 Broadway, Hanover, with the public viewing being held there from 12:30-1:30 PM. Internment will occur at St. Vincent de Paul Cemetery, Hanover, following the Mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Sacred Heart Basilica Restoration Fund, 30 Basilica Drive, Hanover, PA 17331.