Kenneth H. Payson

Kenneth H. Payson, 79 of Rutland and Sun City Center, FL, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Sunday, May 26, 2024 at UMass Medical Center.

Ken was born in Worcester, the son of Carlton B. and Barbara W. (Emmons) Payson. He earned his education from Bancroft School and Worcester Academy and later a bachelor’s degree from Bowdoin College. Ken served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserves. He worked as an accomplished professional racecar driver and was a lifetime member of the Sports Car Club of America.  Ken was a well decorated driver who won a National Championship, 30 Divisional Championships, over 100 National Wins in the SCCA and over 60 Track Records. He was a former loan executive at United Way, past president of both Greater Worcester Jaycees and Worcester Big Brothers and Big Sisters and was a former Conservation Commissioner.

In his spare time, Ken loved fishing for both freshwater and saltwater fish anywhere from Massachusetts to Alaska.  He also loved tennis and was a member of Holden Towers Tennis Club and Sun City Center Tennis Association in Florida.

Ken is survived by his beloved wife Lori J. (McGinn) Payson; his daughter, Janine Payson-Szczygiel and her husband John Szczygiel of Midland, MI; two step-sons, Maj. Maximilian Robidoux, USAF and his wife Ashley of Kittery, ME and AJ Robidoux of Rutland; a brother, Roger Payson and his wife Carolyn of Holden; six grandchildren, Sienna and Logan Szczygiel, Alice, Catherine, Emilia and Hazel Ann Robidoux; a brother-in-law, Michael McAllister of Rockport, ME.; many nieces and nephews.   He is predeceased by two sisters, Carla Payson and Patricia McAllister.

A Celebration of Life for Ken will be held on Saturday, June 15^th from 10 am to 12 noon in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester.   In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to: American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD. 21741