Middletown - Kenneth W. Dutton, 78, of Middletown, died Dec. 22, 2008, after a brief illness. He enjoyed his grandchildren, stamp collecting, photography, playing the piano, and listening to music. He thrived outdoors, preferring the extremes of hot sun and hard rain. He also spent many long, happy hours taking care of his lawn and garden.

He was predeceased by his wife, Margaret Collins Dutton; they were high school sweethearts and were married for 34 years.

He is survived by his brother, Richard Dutton, of La Canada, Calif.; four children, Ronald Dutton of Mystic, Clifton Dutton of Providence, William Dutton of Gales Ferry, and Barbara Gaylord of Middletown; and 10 grandchildren, Andrew, Melissa, Molly, John, Billy, Kenny, Gregory, Mitchell, Terry, and Kelsey.

Born on Sept. 9, 1930, in Passaic, N.J., he grew up in Warwick, R.I., and raised his family in Ledyard. He moved to Middletown in 2006 to be closer to his youngest grandchi1dren.

He was a Korean War veteran, having been selected for Army Officer Candidate School while attending Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He was a principal with Wye Records, which first recorded “Night Theme” in l960. He had a 27-year career at Electric Boat in Groton in quality control engineering.

He was a longtime member of Old Mystic Baptist Church, serving as a member of the education board, treasurer, deacon, and head usher. Prior to that, he was active at First United Methodist Church, Mystic, where he led the youth group and taught church school. His recent church affiliation was with South Congregational Church in Middletown, where he felt a strong sense of belonging and fellowship.

He was the scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 42 in Ledyard for four years in the 1970s.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. today at South Congregational Church, Middletown. Private burial services will follow at Highland Memorial Park Cemetery in Johnston, R.I.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association.

D'Angelo Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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