Family Patriarch Kenneth Freeborn Sr. has passed on to the Kingdom of Heaven.

Ken, known to many as 'Papa Bear', passed away on July 4th at Holy Cross Hospital in Ft. Laud after a lengthy battle with a weak heart . The entire nation set off fireworks in his honor.

Ken is survived by his wife, Frances, his daughter, Toni, and his two sons Kenneth Jr. & James. He also has six grandchildren; Nikki, Joshua, Robbie, Samantha, Felicia and Stephanie; and one great-grandchild, Alex.

He was born on March 21, 1938, to Roy and Hazel Freeborn and grew up in the area of Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania. Kenneth married Frances JoAnn (Franny Jo) Fumara in June, 1958, and they remained married all their lives.

Ken worked at Crucible Steel Mill until the mid-70's when he and Franny became full-time Carnies and she remains in the business to this day. At about the same time, they moved the family to Fort Lauderdale and kept that area as their winter quarters until the children grew up, then switched to Bradenton, Florida. Their summers were spent all over the East Coast of the U.S. and throughout Pennsylvania, bringing joy to uncountable numbers of fair goers with their games and food concessions.

As per his wishes, Ken will be cremated and his ashes will be spread with those of his late mother and father on the longtime family property in Blackhawk, PA.

Also, as per his wishes, an informal service will be held in his honor at 300 NW 28 Street, Wilton Manors, on July 18, 2015.

Serenity Funeral Home and Cremation has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.