Kenneth Mancini

Kenneth James Mancini, 71, of Duluth, passed away suddenly June 3, 2014. Ken was born in Duluth, MN, to Vincent and Pauline Mancini. After residing briefly as a child in Wooster, Ohio and Reno, Nevada, his family returned to Duluth where he completed most of his schooling. He attended Washburn Elementary and graduated from East High School. He went on to earn a Bachelor's degree from UMD and Master's degree in Education from UWS. During this time Ken also served in the Army Reserves.

Ken was married to Nancy Metzinger from 1969 to 1986 and they had two children, Diane and Amy. Ken worked for many years in the field of Human Services, holding positions with the State of Minnesota, the Duluth Sheltered Workshop, Goodwill Industries, and Douglas County, Wisconsin, as a Developmental Disability Coordinator. Highlights after retirement included working with his brother Michael as a carpenter, traveling with his long-time companion, Thelma Williams, and enjoying outdoor activities. Most of all, he loved spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Fascinated by a wide range of subjects and an avid follower of current events, Ken had a remarkable memory for details. He was eager at all times to engage in conversations about history, architecture, classical and jazz music, and politics, and could carry on well-informed, critical discussions about almost anything. He had a wide vocabulary, which he used to great effect, choosing his words carefully, crafting vivid and creative images that were always interesting and often hilarious.

Ken is survived by Thelma Williams of Crosslake; daughters Diane Mancini (Chris Snowbeck) of St. Paul, and Amy Mancini (Alan FitzGerrell) of Boulder, CO; grandchildren Elsa and Audrey Snowbeck and Alex and Max FitzGerrell; sister Bella Mancini (Ed Malone) of Mound, MN; brothers Vincent Mancini (Janet) of Salt Lake City, UT, and Michael Mancini of Duluth; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Friday, June 6, 2014, from 5-7 PM, at the Dougherty Funeral Home, where visitation will continue on Saturday from 10AM until the service beginning at 11AM.

Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 E 2nd Street, Duluth, MN 55805, 218-727-3555.