Emil Kenneth Matel, 86, of Stuart, Fla., and Damariscotta, died peacefully on April 25, 2014.

For the past two years, Ken was cared for by his son and daughter in his room overlooking the Damariscotta River. Ken was born and raised in Medford, Mass., and lived in Brewster, Mass. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy; he graduated from Tufts University and went on to begin a career at IBM in Boston.

Over his 30 years with IBM, Ken his wife and four children would live in Pennsylvania, New York, Michigan, New Jersey and Virginia before settling on Cape Cod, where Ken spent the beginning of his retirement. He eventually moved to sunny Stuart, Fla., for the remainder of his retirement. He recently relocated to Damariscotta to be closer to his son, daughter, and his two grandsons.

Throughout his life, Ken loved being near the ocean, especially Cape Cod Bay and the marinas in Florida. He enjoyed a good laugh and social life, sailing, playing tennis, playing poker, and volunteering in different capacities.

Ken is predeceased by his father Emil Matel, his mother Valentine Wolinski Matel, and his older sisters Irene M. Maderias and Isabel M. Tabb.

Ken is survived by his daughters, Katherine Kirkbride and Elizabeth Kenney; his sons, James Matel and Jonathan Matel; his six grandchildren, Kelly Kirkbride, John Kirkbride, Seward Matel, Teddy Matel, Sam Matel, Max Matel, and his former wife, Helen H. Matel.

The Matel family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the gentle, skilled staff at Chase Point Assisted Living, who never failed to make Ken smile.

Condolences and messages for the family may be expressed by visiting www.hallfuneralhomes.com.

A private family service will be held for him on Cape Cod. Hall Funeral Home, 949 Main Street, Waldoboro is caring for the family.