Kenneth Byard Fetter, Jr.

Kenneth Byard Fetter, a well-known educator, died Friday at his home, 32 Richfield Way in Hilton Head Island, S.C. He celebrated life and family for 95 years.

“Mr. Fetter” Coach” was born in Atlantic City, N.J., the oldest of 3 boys. He attended Atlantic City High School and enjoyed sports, particularly Football and Baseball. He then attended Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pennsylvania where he joined numerous WWII veterans playing football from 1947-1951. Ken graduated with a major in Chemistry. Later he received his master's in education at Rutgers University.

Although he aspired to pursue further education in obtaining a medical degree, he married the love of his life, Roberta Off, of Linwood, NJ in 1949. After graduation, he returned to Atlantic City and began his long career in education. He reunited with his local high school and taught Chemistry and Physics until 1967. While teaching, he also became assistant football and baseball coach for many successful teams at Atlantic City.

In 1967 he joined the New Jersey State Dept. of Education and was a Science Consultant. He became Director of Curriculum Services and then finally became involved in Cape May, Cumberland and Camden County Education Business offices. After 24 years of service to the state in education, he retired in 1991.

In 1998, the Fetter’s moved to Hilton Head Island, S.C. where they built a home in Indigo Run Plantation. Family was always their central focus, and they enjoyed hosting the family at many events and gatherings.

Surviving is his beloved wife of 75 years, the former Roberta Off; three sons, Kenneth (Carol), Keith (Lydia), and Kris (Mary Hahn); three daughters, Roberta (David Larned), Suzanne Kim (Colin), Carol (R.J. Bartholomew); 14 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren all known as his “Nuggets” ; one brother, J. Richard Fetter.

His family was his life’s treasure, and it was evident in how he carried on life after retirement. “Coach Fetter” had a deep passion for influencing and educating students, with the understanding that it is building for the future. In retirement he could be found substitute teaching and attending Football and Baseball games at Hilton Head Christian Academy. His grandson, who played for Hilton Head Christian, would know to expect a call after each practice detailing the potential for improvement, as Ken would watch with a close eye from various “hidden” points surrounding the field. Something Ken did for his own sons at Mainland Highschool in New Jersey, once a coach always a coach.

Services will be at Island Lutheran Church, 4400 Main Street on Hilton Head Island, S.C., Friday, January 24th with Visitation beginning at 11:30 AM with a Service to follow at 1:00. Interment will be at Schaefferstown Cemetery in Pennsylvania at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Kenneth’s memory can be made to Pocket’s Full of Sunshine, a non-profit for Adults with Disabilities, an organization near and dear to his heart (pocketsfullofsun.org).