Kenneth “Ken” McClay
Kenneth “Ken” McClay, 88, of South Yarmouth, Massachusetts, passed away on November 3, 2026, from complications related to cognitive decline disease.
Born in Watertown, Massachusetts, Ken was the son of Alan McClay, a 1971 inductee into the National Soccer Hall of Fame, and Helen (Winther) McClay, a World War II Gold Star Mother.

Ken graduated from Watertown High School, where he captained the soccer team and earned All-State Soccer Team honors. His passion and talent for soccer became a remarkable family legacy, as his son Jeffrey and grandson Brandin followed in his footsteps, making them the first three generations of the same family to earn All-State Soccer Team honors in the State of MA.

During his early years in Watertown, Ken met the love of his life, Carol Ann Miller of Dorchester. He went on to further his education at Boston University, Franklin Institute of Technology, and Wentworth Institute of Technology, where he earned a degree in electrical engineering.

Ken began his career in the elevator industry at Westinghouse Elevator, starting as a helper before becoming a service technician. He was a proud member of the International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC) Local 4.

In 1972, Ken and Carol Ann founded Meredith Elevator in Worcester, Massachusetts. The following year, they acquired F.H. Germain & Company. In 1980, they established Cape & Islands Elevator Company. In 1984 he founded Ver-Trans Fabricators, Inc., which manufactured freight elevator cabs, gates, platforms, slings, hydraulic power units and other misc. elevator related equipment.

In 1990, Ken and Carol Ann consolidated Meredith Elevator, F.H. Germain & Company, and Cape & Islands Elevator Company into Associated Elevator Company, Inc., naming their daughter, Meredith as President. Through hard work, determination, and vision, Ken built a lasting family business and a legacy in the elevator industry that continues today.

Ken and Carol Ann were married in 1958 and settled in Franklin, Massachusetts, where they raised their five children. Together, they shared 68 wonderful years of marriage and built a life centered on family, friendship, and love.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Ken had a lifelong passion for soccer. Alongside his brother, Gordon McClay, he played an instrumental role in introducing organized soccer to the Town of Franklin. Ken served as President of Franklin High School Soccer, while Gordon served as interim soccer coach. Together, they helped establish the school’s first soccer program.

Above all, Ken was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. A man of few words but meaningful actions, he listened intently, considered things carefully, and quietly followed through, often exceeding everyone’s expectations. His generosity, determination, and willingness to help others were among the qualities that made him so special.

Ken loved spending time with family and friends, especially at the Tiki Bar at his and Carol Ann’s winter home in Naples, Florida. Visitors knew the tradition: “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere”—time to join Ken for a Stella at the Tiki Bar. Filled with laughter, stories, and good company, these gatherings created cherished memories and reflected his joy in bringing people together.

Ken is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Carol Ann McClay; his five children and their spouses and partners: his daughter, Meredith, and her husband, Joe Baker; his sons, Jeff and his wife, Donna McClay; Greg and his husband, Don Kindred; Brad and his wife, Rhonda McClay; and Curt and his partner, Chad Mosca. He is also survived by his seven cherished grandchildren, Britney, Ally, Christie, Keith, Brandin, Adam, and Ryan; his four great-grandchildren, Rhys, Cameron, Connor, and Carson; and his brother, Gordon McClay, a United States Navy Veteran who proudly served his country for 4 years.

Ken was predeceased by his beloved sister, Marjorie Landry, and his brothers: Alan McClay, who was killed in action during World War II when the Shady Lady aircraft was shot down; Donald McClay, who survived World War II but later passed away from complications of wounds sustained during the war; and Bruce McClay, who served as a U.S. Army paratrooper during the Vietnam War
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Others knew him as a successful businessman and friend. To us, he was Dad. He taught us to work hard, keep our word, let our actions speak for us and always remain humble. Whenever we needed him, he was there with quiet guidance and a helping hand, showing his love through all he did.

Ken’s life will be honored with a celebration at a later date to be determined.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made in Ken’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Family Support Center of Cape Cod, which supports individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
Alzheimer’s Family Support Center of Cape Cod
2095 Main Street, Brewster, MA 02631
Memorial donations: https://www.alzfamilysupport.org/ways-to-give

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