Kenneth W. Mills

Kenneth W Mills, age 77, of Bridgeport, CT, died peacefully in his sleep on April 3, 2020. Ken
was born June 22, 1942 in Portland, Maine to Walter and Rose Mills. Ken was the youngest of
two children (older sister, Barbara), and the last surviving member of his family. He was also
predeceased in 2010 by his loving companion of 41 years, fellow teacher, Claire Martin. As a
young man, Ken traveled broadly, and developed diverse interests in transatlantic ocean liners,
Brazilian jazz music, and social justice. A fierce intellect, Ken earned multiple degrees in English
and Education from The University of Maine and Fairfield University, and found his calling as a
teacher of writing, for nearly fifty years at Roger Ludlowe High School, Fairfield High School,
and at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT. As a high school teacher, Ken pioneered an
elective writing course in Satire that has remained one of the most popular English courses in
Fairfield for decades, and has consistently engaged students in critical awareness of
contemporary issues. In the classroom, he had a charismatic candor, and kept students
engaged not only with his sharp wit, but with his deeply genuine concern for their personal
voices and larger well being. Ken formed countless lasting relationships with his students over
the years, and was particularly proud of being able to help at-risk students find stability and
success through some of the stormiest years of their lives. His mentorship transcended the
classroom, and he often built life-long relationships with students and their families. Many of his
closest friends, who have become an extended family to him, are former students. Ken also
volunteered his time for many years at Operation Hope in Fairfield and served as a long-time
board member for The Regency condominium association, in Bridgeport. He loved conversation
over a fine meal, and had a true knack for cutting to the chase and addressing problems frankly
with his signature charming wit. Ken maintained a large, eclectic network of important
relationships, and he will be fondly remembered as a loyal and loving friend. Any offerings in
Ken's memory should be made to Operation Hope of Fairfield. A celebration of Ken's life will be held at a later date at First Church Congregational in Fairfield. For information or to offer an online condolence please visit www.SpearFuneralHome.com