Co-founded Modern Continental Construction Co. with his best friend
GEORGETOWN — Kenneth L. Anderson of Georgetown, a longtime resident of North Reading and Randolph, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 83 on April 8, 2025.
Born on February 18, 1942, Ken was the son of the late Ludwig and Lulu Elizabeth (Hanson) Anderson.
Ken was the beloved husband of Rosanne (DiCarlo) Anderson for almost 44 years. Ken was the loving father of Michelle Patenaude and Kenneth P. Anderson and cherished grandfather “Morfar” of Blake, Benjamin, Brooklyn and Brody Patenaude. Ken is also survived by his brother, Richard Anderson, and his wife Gale; his brother-in-law, Peter DiCarlo, and his wife Debbie; and his sister-in-law, Mary Buccheri, and her husband Ronald. Ken was the beloved uncle of his nephews, Richard E. and Christopher Anderson and Jason Buccheri, and his niece, Gina DiCarlo. Ken is also survived by many other close family members, friends and associates.
Ken was a best friend and business partner of the late Les Marino. In 1967 the two young ambitious men took a giant gamble, quit their jobs, and founded Modern Continental Construction Company (Modern). Over the decades that followed, under their capable leadership, Modern grew quickly and matured into a giant construction company that employed hundreds of people and became a major player in construction. At its peak, Modern built significant sections of the “Big Dig” and the O’Neill and Ted Williams Tunnels. Modern also took on other large construction projects both in the United States and abroad. Their ventures also expanded into other areas of interest beyond construction like Ristorante Marino in Cambridge and
Lookout Farm in Natick.
Ken was a self-made man with a fine technical mind. Ken was a caring, generous, loving and humble man with an amicable personality and wit that attracted many friends. Always able to see the bright side, his quick and witty comments often would diffuse the most dire situations.
Ken especially enjoyed spending time with his family. This included a memorable trip traveling to Disney World with his family and four grandchildren along with so many other wonderful vacations and outings. Ken treasured his time playing golf with close friends here and in Ireland and he even attended the Masters. He also loved being by the pool, entertaining his family and friends, tending to the BBQ, playing card games, and telling stories. He loved history, reading and doing crossword puzzles. Ken had a passionate love for his antique and classic automobiles and vintage construction equipment.
Ken’s passing leaves a huge hole in our hearts that will take a long time to heal.
A funeral Mass to celebrate Ken’s life will be held at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter St., North Reading, on Thursday April 24 at 10:30 a.m.
Family and friends attended visiting hours at the Cota Funeral Home, 335 Park St., North Reading (corner of Park St. and Rte. 28) on Wednesday, April 23, from 4-8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to two of Ken’s favorite charities: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and/or the American Heart Association.