On December 19th, 2024, Kenneth King Kuzman, Jr. (54), of Downingtown, Pennsylvania and formerly Warwick, Rhode Island, passed away peacefully while skiing at Okemo Mountain with his longtime friends. They said Ken was skiing "hot." Picture him in your head in front of you, as you descend whatever type of slope: steeps, trees, bumps. Kenny was always balanced, tight, seemingly effortless. He spent his final day with people he loved, shredding some fresh powder. By his fifty-fifth year, Kenny had downhill skied a million or more vertical feet-and over 100 mountains-with so many different friends. But on this day, he made tracks up, into the clouds. We'll follow them to you in time, Kenny. For now, it's endless runs, and no groomers for you!
Kenneth (Ken, Kenny, Kuz, or Kuzzy) was born in Warwick, RI, on September 19th, 1970, to Brigitte and Kenneth Sr. As a child, Kenny was an amazing and loving older brother, friend to many, and son who kept his parents on their toes every day. Ken was a 1988 graduate of Tollgate High School in Warwick and continued his education at the University of Vermont in Burlington, graduating in 1992. He then moved to Boulder, Colorado, where he met Hope Merkert, future mother of his three sons, Kyle, Bryce, and Ashton. They raised their family in Pennsylvania, surrounded by hills, creeks, farms, and animals. Kenny was a loving father who taught his kids the joy of skiing, never missed an important moment, and always showed up with a bag of fruit and Amish snacks. In 2009, he met Diana Whaley, with whom he shared many of the same joys in life, including their love of music and anything involving the natural world. They were later married on New Years' Eve, 2017, under their favorite tree. Kenny's inclusive, loving nature led him to become an influential father figure to Diana's daughters, Fantasia and Ariel.
Kenny's upbeat and attentive manner, integrity, and thoughtful way with words made spending time with him so enjoyable. Kenny never met a stranger, which led him to a very successful career in Specialty Door Sales, first with Krieger Specialty Products as their Regional Sales Manager, and later developing the specialty door line at Houston-Starr. In addition to skiing, he loved walking and biking in nature, waterfalls and beaches, good food in good company, dancing to live music, and nurturing life through gardening. Kenny was an exceptional cook of stir fries, pies, and porridge. He was a deeply spiritual man, well-known for his "go-with-the-flow" attitude and always taking the scenic route. Ken never lost his joie de vivre, whether exploring the world around him, playing ultimate frisbee and other games, or closing out every party he went to.
Kenneth is survived by his parents, Kenneth K. Kuzman, Sr. (Leah) and Brigitte Kuzman-Covill (née Dupré) (Gary); wife Diana Whaley (née Odum) and stepdaughters Fantasia Whaley and Ariel Whaley; former spouse Hope Merkert; three sons Kyle Kuzman, Bryce Kuzman (Cassidy), and Ashton Kuzman; and brothers Jamie Kuzman (Christine) and Brent Kuzman (Brooke). Kenny was predeceased by his oldest brother, Ken Kuzman. He will be missed by his extended family-aunts, uncles, cousins-and all the friends he met throughout his life in RI, VT, CO, PA, and elsewhere.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a celebration of Kenny's life on February 22nd, 2025, at the Mettatuxet Yacht Club, 36 South River Drive, Narragansett, RI. The family will be celebrating between 12-4 PM, and guests can stop in at any point between those hours. A sharing will take place at 1 PM for those who wish to hear stories of Kenny's life.
In lieu of flowers, and in honor of Kenny's love for skiing and his desire to share it with others, please consider a donation to the Share Winter Foundation, supporting underprivileged youth in skiing.
Donate Here: https://sharewinter.donorsupport.co/-/NBWLRSCS
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Kenneth Kuzman Jr. Obituary (1970 - 2024) - Legacy Remembers