Ken C. Lessing

Ken Carl Lessing 80, of Manville New Jersey died peacefully at home on Saturday September 17, 2022 with his loved ones at his side. He was born April 25, 1942 in Somerville NJ to Carl and Ruth Lessing. He grew up in Martinsville NJ and graduated from Bound Brook High School. He graduated from the NJ State Police Municipal Police Academy in Sea Girt NJ. He was employed with the Somerset County Park Police then as a Somerset County Sheriff’s Officer until he retired in June of 1994. He was the first Police K-9 dog trainer/handler for the Somerset County Sheriff’s Department, Somerville NJ. Ken was a former member of the Martinsville Fire Department, former member of Police Benevolent Association #82, a charter member of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #39, a life member of the Manville Youth Athletic League, he also served on the Manville Board of Education. In his spare time, he enjoyed snowmobiling with his family and friends. He loved building and renovating his cabin in St. Regis Falls NY, doing small engine repair and repairing snowmobiles. In his later years he enjoyed traveling around the state fishing with his best friend Robert Gecik, they were always searching for the best hot dog spot after a day by the water or just for lunch. Ken was predeceased by his parents and older brother Gary Paul Lessing. Ken is survived by his loving wife of 42 years Sheila, loving children Holly of Martinsville, son Shawn of Manville, and son Carl (Danielle) of Budd Lake NJ and his two grandchildren Rylan and Makenzie. He also leaves behind his best friend and galivanting buddy Robert Gecik (Emilia) of Somerset NJ and his beloved dog Bama. He never let his inability to walk stop him from doing the things he loved. His wish for the past seventeen years was to be able to stand, now he’s free to run. Ken liked to be comfortable so we ask if you visit him that you dress comfortably too. The Visitation will be on Wednesday, September 21, 2022 from 6 PM to 8 PM at the Ketusky Funeral Home, 1310 Brooks Blvd., Manville, NJ 08835. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers donations in his memory can be made to Somerset Regional Animal Shelter 100 Commons Way, Bridgewater NJ 08807. Committal is private.

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Ken C. Lessing

April 25, 1942 - September 17, 2022