Kenneth Swade

Kenneth Michael Swade, beloved husband and devoted father and grandfather, passed away on Wednesday, November 24, 2021 at the age of 81. He is survived by his loving wife of twenty-two years, Dr. Vera K. Swade, dear daughters Karen Bonfili and Suzanne Carpino with her husband Michael Carpino, dear stepdaughter Natalie Buczkowski-Weidinger and her husband Francis Weidinger, and dear grandchildren Michael Carpino, Jr., Ryan Carpino, Anthony Carpino, Mia Bonfili, Ava Bonfili and Irene Weidinger.

Kenny was born on February 3, 1940 in Cleveland, Ohio to Michael and Helen Swade. He graduated from West Technical High School in 1958 and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2011 for a lifetime of achievement in teaching. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree at Bowling Green State University in 1962 and a Master of Education degree at Kent State University in 1983. He was employed by the Cleveland Municipal School District as a teacher, counselor and coordinator for forty years as well as a track and basketball coach. His passion and devotion for teaching and coaching inspired countless students. Upon retirement to Florida, he continued to teach College and Career Success at the College of Central Florida and coach at the YMCA. He was selected to be the Central Citrus Rotary President in 2012-2013 and earned a Rotarian of the Year award in 2020-2021. In a year when the pandemic prevented the annual car show fundraiser, he sold over 400 lottery calendars to support the club.

Kenny also served Good Shepherd Lutheran Church as a member of the Finance Committee and on the Church Council. He loved to cook and volunteered his time in the kitchen at annual events. For many years Kenny served on the board of Take Stock in Children. His love of Doo Wop music extended into the classroom where he chose a song for each student as an incentive to attend his class. Kenny was a lifelong bible scholar, participating in Community Bible Study for many years sharing his extensive knowledge. Kenny’s kind and generous heart always believed in the importance of the gift of service to others.

The service will be held on Friday, January 7, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. for the gathering and at 11:00 a.m. for the service at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Hernando. The service will also be live on the church’s Facebook and YouTube site. Cremation with Care is under the direction of Heinz Funeral Home, Inverness, Florida.