Kenneth M. Jackvony was a caring and devoted son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. This special man left this world suddenly for heaven on June 2, 2021 at age 66.
He was born in Newport, Rhode Island on June 23, 1954, to parents, Norman “Jack” and Genevieve “Mickey” Jackvony, the second of five boys. Kenneth’s father was a 20-year Navy veteran whose career led the family to various locations on the East Coast during his tenure in the Navy. However, during his teenage years the family moved to Lindenhurst where he finished his high school education and later attended Nassau Community College for an associate degree in Science.
In July of 1973, Kenneth joined West Babylon Fire Department and volunteered with his fellow fire fighters in Eagle Engine Company 6. In addition, he also trained to become an EMT for the department and shared his commitment with the members of the West Babylon Rescue Squad, where he eventually became Captain. His dedication to the West Babylon Fire Department last for 25 years.
While attending to various fire and rescue calls, he was employed by McDonalds as a manager for various locations, one being the Lindenhurst location on Montauk Highway. He was often seen organizing support for numerous community events by donating a variety of supplies from the restaurant. Later in life in October of 1990, he attained the position as Fire District Manager for the West Babylon Fire District responsible for helping to maintain organization in various events within the district.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, Norman “Jack” and Genevieve “Mickey” Jackvony and his sibling Michael F. Jackvony. Kenneth is survived by his wife, Catherine Jackvony, their three sons and one daughter-in-law, Jonathan Pursino, Jeffrey Pursino and Nicholas and Arielle Parrino; five grandchildren, Tyler Pursino, Joseph, Jenna and Jessa Pursino and Hailey Parrino; his brothers David and Stephen Jackvony and his wife, Lydia, as well as four adoring nieces and nephews—Matthew and Mallory Kinahan, Ryan and Emma Jones, countless cousins, family members and friends from Florida to Rhode Island.
His quiet and caring smile helped him as he met and wed the love of his life, Catherine in February 1998 with a wedding reception at Irish Coffee Pub, after being a bachelor for 42 years. Together they created a home in Oakdale, N.Y., as well as a shared love of seeing the world from the balcony of a cruise ship and the excitement and wonder of the “Disney Magic.” His quiet commitment, love and support of his family provided many a “special moment” as they witnessed his devotion to doing what was best for everyone. At every corner of his life, Kenneth was eager to provide a helping hand to whomever or whatever needed the most support, at the time.
In the summer of 2018, Kenneth and Catherine said their goodbyes to New York and made the one-way trip to Celebration, Florida where they were planning to spend their retirement years together in a home they renovated so near their “Happy Place.” During this period Kenneth spent some of his time building Legos of the various locations they had visited together—Las Vegas, Paris, London, San Francisco to name a few. In addition, they purchased a condo on the west coast of Florida, near Clearwater so that they could have the best of both worlds—Disney and the beach.
Throughout his life, Kenneth always brought his quiet smile, support and loyalty to everything he did. That quiet smile and commitment offered all that knew him a warm understanding that if Ken were taking care of it – everything would be ok. His presence will be treasured and remembered forever. Heaven truly gained an extraordinary angel on June 2nd.