Kenneth Michael Courey

Kenneth Michael Courey gracefully passed away on November 24, 2023 at the age of 86, leaving behind a legacy of innovation, compassion, and a life well-lived. As the youngest of seven siblings, Ken's journey was marked by an unwavering spirit, priority to family and God, and groundbreaking contributions to the healthcare field. Ken was born in Joliet, IL and was raised in Streator, IL where he spent his childhood. He graduated from Saint Ambrose College in Davenport, IA and then proudly served in the United States Marine Corps, whose work ethic and values resonated throughout his career. He then earned a master's degree in hospital administration from the University of Iowa. Ken dedicated his professional life to the service of others which brought him from the Mid-West to the East Coast, reaching the pinnacle as the esteemed President and CEO of St. Clare's-Riverside health care system in Denville, NJ. A true pioneer, he spearheaded novel initiatives, notably establishing the first Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) on the East Coast. Ken's visionary leadership transformed healthcare delivery, setting new standards of excellence that continue to impact lives today. Beyond his professional achievements, Ken found his greatest joy in family. For 63 remarkable years, he was married to his college love, Mary Joyce Barnes. Together, they weathered life's joys and challenges, creating a foundation of love and family that will endure through the ages. As a devoted father, Ken leaves behind a legacy of strength and guidance through his four children: Robert (Thomas), James (Lisa), Linda (Kenneth), and Joseph (Bobbi). His impact extended through the generations with grandchildren Jessica, Colleen, Sarah, Michael, Nicole, Kevin, and Kelly. His joy was multiplied with the addition of great-grandchildren Avery and Bennett, who were a source of immeasurable happiness. In addition to his immediate and extended family, Ken is survived by his devoted sisters, Elizabeth Brown and Phyllis Girard. He is preceded in death by his immigrant parents from Lebanon, George and Mabel, as well as his cherished siblings Mary Einhaus, Florence Nicholas, Lawrence Courey, and Eugene Courey. Ken's zest for life extended to his hobbies, including golf, a love for music, and his self-taught prowess on the piano. His quick wit and talent for sharing jokes brought laughter to all who knew him. Winters in Florida became a cherished tradition, offering a reprieve and an opportunity to create lasting memories in a place he held dear. In his retirement years, Ken also enjoyed serving the community through his volunteer and philanthropic efforts. As we mourn the loss of Ken Courey, let us celebrate a life that blazed trails in healthcare, embraced family with boundless love, and found joy in the simple pleasures of life. May his legacy inspire us all, and may he rest in eternal peace, surrounded by the echoes of laughter, music, and the warmth of cherished memories. The funeral will be held on Saturday, Dec 2 in the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia. The Reception of the Body will begin at 9am and the funeral mass at 10:30 am. The service will be live-streamed on: https://vimeo.com/event/3913524 In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in memory of Ken Courey be directed to: Princeton Child Development Institute, 300 Cold Soil Road, Princeton, NJ 08540. www.pcdi.org Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation https://www.mc-lef.org/ Cathedral Basilica of Saint Peter and Paul Philadelphia https://cathedralphila.org/

Kenneth Michael Courey

November 24, 2023

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Kenneth Michael Courey

November 24, 2023

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