WATERTOWN - Kenneth Edward DeRego, 78, died Tuesday, April 5, 2016 at his home. He was the husband of Magdalen Ferro DeRego, his wife of 57 years. Along with his beloved wife, he leaves his son, Michael Rodney Ferro DeRego and his wife Natalie Ikonn-DeRego of Simsbury; his daughter, Michelle DeRego Gorski and her husband David P. Gorski of Watertown. He also leaves two grandsons, Alexander John Ferro Gorski and John David Gorski and is remembered by his two step-granddaughters, Daniella Ikonn and Emily Ikonn. He is survived by his brother Rodney P. DeRego and his wife Elaine DeRego, a sister-in-law Dorena Ferro Durante and her husband Blaise Durante, a brother-in-law John Ferro. A native of New Bedford, Mass., he was the son of the late Edward and Cecelia Martin DeRego. Kenneth was a teacher, administrator, educational leader and faithfully served his country. Kenneth earned a mechanical engineering degree from the University of Massachusetts in Dartmouth. He graduated from Central Connecticut State University with a master's degree in education. He was awarded a fellowship to study at the University of Connecticut Doctorate Program. He was a graduate of Officers Candidate School, U.S. Army Artillery and Missile School in Fort Sill, Okla. Ken honorably served with the Connecticut National Guard and retired as a major. Kenneth had been associated with Connecticut two-year colleges for three decades; first as a faculty member at Waterbury State Technical Institute, then as associate dean of instruction, dean of instruction and acting president of Waterbury State Technical College and later as president of Hartford State Technical College; as academic officer for technical education for the Community Technical Colleges in Connecticut. He contributed significantly to the achievements of technical education that have favorably impacted the educational careers of thousands of students. He was a member of the First Congregational Church in Watertown, the Watertown Golf Club, the Watertown Lions Club, the Rotary Club of Hartford, the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Ken enjoyed being a pit marshal with his son at Lime Rock Park Race Track his BMW and a good cigar. Arrangements: Friends may visit with Ken's family on Friday, April 8, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Lyons Funeral Home, 46 High St. in Thomaston. Funeral services and burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Ken's name to the Alzheimer's Association of CT Chapter, 200 Executive Blvd., Suite 4B, Southington, CT 06489.

Service Information Visitation Friday April 8, 2016 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM Lyons Funeral Home 46 High Street Thomaston, CT 06787 -->