KENLEY WALTER HALLOCK

MIDDLEBURY — Kenley Walter “The Chief” Hallock, 82, of Middlebury, Vt., peacefully passed away July 2, 2026, at the Helen Porter Rehabilitation and Nursing facility in Middlebury, Vt., following complications related to sepsis. He was surrounded by family until the time of his passing.

Kenley was born Sept. 4, 1943, in Burlington, Vt., to Kenneth and Clara Hallock and grew up in Waltham, Vt. After attending Vergennes High School he enlisted in the Navy and was stationed at US Naval Station Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. After the Navy, he enlisted in the Coast Guard, proudly serving on the USCGC Duane during the Vietnam War. Kenley was a career serviceman, dedicating 24 years to United States Coast Guard. He also served at sea on the USCGC Escanaba, USCGC Bibb, USCGC Messenger, USCGC Vigilant and the USCGC Bittersweet. He retired as a Chief Petty Officer and settled on Cape Cod where he worked and lived for many years.

Kenley was a man of quiet strength, deep curiosity, and unwavering service, leaving behind a legacy shaped by duty and a life lived deliberately. He moved back to Vermont, as he always carried the spirit of the Green Mountains with him throughout his life.

In his later years, Kenley found purpose and community as Commander of the Middlebury, Vermont Veterans of Foreign Wars post, where he proudly served his fellow veterans with the same dedication he had given his country.

When he wasn’t at the VFW or legion hall, Kenley could often be found with a book on science or the origins of space, a cigar and a warm beer to complete the moment. He loved the outdoors, tending to his garden, moving at nature’s pace, and finding joy in the quiet rhythms of the world around him.

He was predeceased by his wife, Betsy (Levy) Hallock; as well as his parents, Kenneth and Clara Hallock of Lincoln; sister, Elisse (Hallock) Gebo of Ferrisburgh; brother, Peter Hallock of Lincoln; and brother-in-law, Albert Gebo.

Kenley is survived by his only son, Corey Hallock and his wife Lisa; two grandchildren, Dan Hallock and Adam Hallock; his sister, Vali (Hallock) Gebo; his longtime companion, Jill Smith of Middlebury; and several nieces and nephews who grew up with their Uncle Kenley.

He will rest easy in Lincoln, Vt., where his ashes will be spread during a ceremony and celebration of life to be held in September of 2026.

In memory of Kenley, a donation can be made to https://heroes.vfw.org/ to help American veterans and the programs that support them. ◊