Obituary of Kenneth F. Achtert

Kenneth F. Achtert, age 77, of Wallingford, PA, formerly of Yeadon and Drexel Hill, PA, died on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, with his loving wife by his side.

Ken was a graduate of Yeadon High School, Class of 1965. He also attended Haverford College.  

Ken was passionate about electric streetcars. After working at several short term jobs, Kenneth went to work for SEPTA, retiring as a Service Supervisor after 41 years. He spent his career driving streetcars, and then supervising the drivers of streetcars, helping to make public transportation in Philadelphia run more smoothly. He could always be counted on to know how to troubleshoot mechanical and logistical problems. Even after he retired, many of the long-time bus and trolley operators would stop to chat when they saw him around town.

In retirement, he volunteered at the Baltimore Streetcar Museum, driving historic streetcars and sharing his knowledge with museum visitors. Throughout his life, he enjoyed traveling to see streetcars in other cities, bringing his wife and children along as much as possible. He had a working knowledge of most electric streetcars, gleaned from personal experience, magazines, books, and visits around the country, and was always willing to share what he knew.

He also adored the many cats he had throughout his life. He had a special connection with Buddy, Cindy, Benjamin, and Buttercup, all feral that came into his yard, and ultimately his house where they lived very comfortable lives.

 

Ken also assisted with Boy Scouts, Indian Guides, and Indian Princesses when his children were young.

 

He was a son of the late Alfred and Geraldine (Shollenberger) Achtert; and the brother of the late Walter S. Achtert.

 

He is survived by his wife and partner of 54 years, Vinette (Brown) Achtert; by his daughter, Jennifer K. Achtert and his son-in-law Varghese George; by his son Douglas C. Achtert and his daughter-in-law Katie Achtert; by his grandchildren: Zachary George, Layla Fagone, Damien Achtert, and Ramona Achtert; and by his brother, Alfred C. Achtert, Jr. 

 

He is also survived by nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends of many years.

 

A memorial brunch for family and close friends will be held on Saturday, December 28, 2024, in Media, PA. Please contact Jennifer Achtert at jachtert@yahoo.com for details.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Baltimore Street Car Museum, earmarked for the Roundhouse Project, by mail to Baltimore Streetcar Museum Roundhouse Project, P.O. Box 791853, Baltimore, MD 21279, or online at baltimorestreetcarmuseum.org (please select “Ma & Pa Roundhouse Exploration”). Please include a note that the gift is in memory of Kenneth Achtert.

 

You can also honor Ken by thinking of him and taking public transportation on your next trip, near or far.