Kenneth Paul McNamara
February 21, 1935 – July 10, 2026
Kenneth Paul McNamara, age 91, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2026, in Ceres.
Kenneth was born on February 21, 1935, in Mankato, Minnesota, to Fred McNamara and Marie McNamara, née Pulffa. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Richard “Dick” McNamara; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Kenneth was the devoted husband of Martha Rae McNamara, née Casey, for 66 wonderful years. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and unwavering love.
He proudly served his country in the United States Navy before beginning a long career as a print operator with John Ingalls Frozen Foods in Modesto and Patterson Frozen Foods in Patterson, where he worked until retirement. During the 1980s and 1990s, Kenneth also operated a successful wedding videography business, preserving countless special memories for couples and their families.
In retirement, Kenneth enjoyed spending time fishing at his cabin, one of his favorite places. He also developed an impressive collection of spent military ammunition, dedicating a room in his home to displaying the collection he had assembled over the years. Music was a lifelong joy for Kenneth. He always had his harmonica ready to play a song and enjoyed playing the organ and piano. He was a proud member of The Fiddlers for several years, sharing his love of music with family, friends, and the community through his performances.
Family was at the center of Kenneth’s life. He treasured family gatherings and faithfully led everyone in prayer before meals, reflecting on the deep faith that guided him throughout his life. Holiday celebrations were especially meaningful, and he became known as the family’s Thanksgiving turkey carver. His homemade roasted almonds were another cherished tradition, eagerly anticipated by family and friends each year.
Kenneth found great joy in teaching younger generations through everyday moments. Many nieces and nephews fondly remember learning from him how to clean fish, crush aluminum cans for recycling, and hull walnuts. These simple tasks became lasting memories because of the patience, generosity, and quiet encouragement he shared along the way.
Kenneth is survived by his loving wife, Martha Rae McNamara, née Casey; his sister, Colleen Pritchett, née McNamara, of Coon Rapids, Minnesota; his sisters-in-law, Betty Faye Thomas, née Casey, of Fair Oaks, California, and Michelle Paulette Casey, née Hoffman, of Modesto, California; 20 nieces and nephews; and numerous great-, great-great-, and great-great-great-nieces and nephews, all of whom will cherish his memory. The family extends a warm thank you to Bernadette and Normie, his caregivers for the last several years.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Marie McNamara; his brother, Richard “Dick” McNamara; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
He will be remembered for his steadfast faith, quiet strength, generous heart, and lifelong devotion to his family. Through his service, his example, the traditions he created, and the time he devoted to those he loved, he leaves a legacy of kindness, wisdom, and love that will continue to live on in the lives of all who knew him.
A Rosary will be prayed at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 10 a.m., on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at St. Jude Parish in Ceres. Interment will follow at Ceres Cemetery.
– Ceres (Calif.) Courier
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
