Mr. Kenneth W. Kretschmer, an Elkins Park resident and longtime firefighter in Cheltenham Township, passed away on September 18 after a long battle with Myelodysplasia. He was 83.

Mr. Kretschmer began his tenure as a volunteer firefighter when he was 16 years old, serving for 67 years at both the Elkins Park and LaMott Fire Companies.

“He truly loved spending time with his friends and fellow firefighters and protecting his community. Ken was very proud when his grandson, Eric, joined him as a firefighter at Elkins Park,” his obituary said.

Elkins Park Fire Company posted the following:

Starting at La Mott Fire Company at age 16, Ken left a true legacy of service to the Cheltenham Township community through the fire service. Ken started serving with Elkins Park in 1966, where he earned the rank of Lieutenant in 1977 and Captain in 1979, in addition to being the live-in houseman for the company and finally earning the title of Life Member after 20 years in 1986. He transitioned back to La Mott for a time, molding another generation of firefighters before returning to Elkins Park to serve as Life Active and Board Member, and was named Deputy Chief in 2010. Through the seasons, he mentored many firefighters, but his proudest moments were with his grandson, who started young through the juniors program at Elkins Park.

Friends and family are invited and encouraged to join together to celebrate Ken’s life on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Southampton Estates, 238 Street Road, Southampton, PA 18966. Visitation from 10:00 – 11:00 am. Service at 11:00 with lunch to immediately follow.

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