Kenneth G. Paulsell

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father, husband, and grandfather, Kenneth Gordon Paulsell, who left us peacefully on January 6th, 2025, at the age of 88.

Ken is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Pamela Paulsell; his daughter Katherine Matson (John), daughter Hilary Mameniskis, son David Paulsell, and nine grandchildren. He is survived by his brother, C. Don Paulsell (Patricia), and sister, Kay DeRousse, as well as many nieces and nephews who loved him.

A kind and gentle soul, Ken was a man who touched the lives of everyone he met. He was an incredible father and a devoted husband. His love for his family knew no bounds, and he cherished every moment spent with them. As a grandfather, Ken was the heart and soul of the family, offering wisdom, laughter, and an abundance of love to his grandchildren: Jack, Andy, Grayson, Allaire, Claire, Lane, Mark, Christian, and Karis. Ken attended every high school and college graduation for all his grandchildren to date, always proud of their accomplishments.

Having grown up in the “Land of Lincoln,” Springfield, IL, Ken carried his Midwest roots and values throughout his life. Ken was President of his fraternity, Delta Tau Delta at the Illinois Institute of Technology and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering. His taste for adventure led him to accept a position with Creole Petroleum, a subsidiary of Standard Oil, in Maracaibo, Venezuela. While there, he met his future wife, Pamela, and often told the story of how it was love at first sight. He embraced the culture, the people, and was adored by his future in-laws and extended family. They married in Dallas, TX, in 1963, before moving to Palo Alto, California, where Ken was enrolled in a Master’s program at Stanford University.

After graduating from Stanford with a Master’s in Engineering, Ken accepted a position with the DuPont Company in Wilmington, DE. He and Pam started their next adventure by driving cross country with their baby daughter to Wilmington DE, where he enjoyed a challenging career filled with many problem-solving projects for 30 years. Ken’s expertise and innovative thinking made him a valued member of the organization, and his contributions were a source of pride throughout his professional life. He remained in touch with many DuPont colleagues, enjoying monthly breakfast meetings for years after retirement. Ken also maintained contact with lifelong friends, as far back as primary school, fostering relationships that spanned decades.

Ken practiced quiet philanthropy, always ready to help anyone who needed a boost in life. One of his favorite traditions involved his grandchildren, who were given the opportunity to choose their own donation from the Heifer International gift catalog, ranging from honeybees to clean water. Through this, Ken not only supported important causes but also instilled the values of kindness and giving in the next generation.

In 1975, Ken and Pam moved their family of five to the countryside of Chadds Ford, PA, where they had purchased a farmette and named it “Halcyon,” meaning a place of peace and tranquility. Ken expressed his farmer dreams at Halcyon by cultivating a garden to rival any. The bounty of fresh vegetables and flowers from his garden was a reflection of his care and dedication, as well as his deep appreciation for nature. With tractors, pets, gardening, picnics, and parties, even hosting two weddings, it was not always tranquil, but always a place of love. Winter weekends were spent in the Poconos, where skiing and adventures in the woods were memorable.

Ken was a lifelong learner, always striving to know and do more. He achieved the title of Master Gardener with Penn State and enjoyed Spanish language classes at Maris Grove. This passion for learning extended to his role as a father and grandfather, where he instilled in his children and grandchildren an ethos for education and the importance of intellectual growth.

In 2017, Ken and Pam gave the family a wonderful gift, organizing a 7-day cruise together. It was a cherished time spent in each other’s company, filled with great adventures and meals that will forever be remembered.
Known for his ability to make friends wherever he went, Ken had a unique gift for connecting with people. He could strike up a conversation with anyone and always remembered their names, making them feel seen and valued. His kindness and genuine interest in others left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

Throughout his life, Ken instilled values of respect, compassion, and integrity, leaving behind a legacy that will live on through his family and all who were lucky enough to call him a friend.

Ken’s last 24 hours on earth were spent surrounded by family, who all shared messages of love and gratitude for having known him. On the day of the Epiphany, he left us physically, but his love remains an eternal glow in all who knew him.

A celebration of life will take place on Saturday, January 18th, at the Chapel at Maris Grove. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, with the service at 11:00 AM, followed by lunch in the Cardinal clubhouse.

Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Heifer International, 1 World Avenue, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA or ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.