Kenneth A. Jacuzzi was born in Oakland, CA, on April 22, 1941 to Candido and Ines Jacuzzi. At the age of two he contracted juvenile rheumatoid arthritis from a strep infection.
He was always very independent and his handicap never stopped him from doing things he loved. He attended Acalanes High School in Lafayette, CA and received a Masters Degree from the American Graduate School of International Management in Glendale, AZ. He worked in Italy for the Jacuzzi Company and for the State of Arizona as the Director of the Office of the Americans with Disabilities. He was an avid reader, he loved to paint portraits and he was an author.
He is survived by his wife Daniela, brother John, brother-in-law Giorgio, sister-in-law Alessandra and many nephews and nieces. He will be missed by many.
The funeral Mass will be at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, January, 18, 2017, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church 11300 N. 64 Street, Scottsdale, AZ. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Blessed Sacrament Church, Crosier Fathers and Brothers, Arthritis Foundation and ACLU of Arizona. Please visit www.hansenmortuary.com for online condolences.
Tributes
Dr. Diane E. Cheney wrote on Aug 19, 2019:
"Dearest Daniela,
You were the thing that made dear Ken feel like he was living a normal life. You gave up your own possible happiness for that dear man because you were so compassionate. When Ken dictated the book about his life to me and it had so many unexpected creative surprises, I realized that you had given him permission to write about anything and you would not be hurt. You were so very important to his life and you got so little from him because he was so handicapped. What kind of wonderful reward are you going to receive in heaven for your contributions to that wonderful man. He was brilliant. I've never known anybody like him. But if it had not been for you, that would have wilted because others would not have loved him as you did and put him forward as you did. I can't tell you how extremely important you were to this man whom through his book helped others to understand the problems of severely handicapped people. It broke my heart when the new governor of Arizona discharged him from handling the problems of handicapped people in Arizona. I was unbelievable angry that he was not kept on board because he, better than anyone, knew what people needed. Oh, my dearest, the best wishes to you. I wish I had learned of his passing earlier but you know how it is with older people. They are on a need to know basis and try to attend to their main needs. But I can never forget you and Ken. You were the two most special people I ever met. All my love."
Ray Morris wrote on May 29, 2017:
"Ken, I just learned of your passing, my spirit went silent for a moment as I began to remember the times I spent with you. You and your life gave me great encouragement, it's those simple moments of zeal for life that I will continue to care forward. You will always be part of the work I do for whole community inclusion for disaster preparedness and recovery. Thank you, I'll always remember you and thanks for the friendship."
Theresa Truesdell wrote on Feb 9, 2017:
"A champion, a hero, a great advocate, a pursuer of justice, a happy family man, a loving man of God-that is Ken. I can only think of Ken smiling, joking, and getting his point across. I admired Ken from the first time I met him through a cultural organization with the diocese of Phoenix. He made everyone feel welcomed and part of his family. Although I have not seen him but in passing these past years. I think of him often, I find myself constantly checking is that parking space the right measurement, is the walkway, is the door, the counter, or the services accessible-he taught me.
This great man will be remembered because he loved well."
Peter Mattys wrote on Jan 30, 2017:
"Ken will be missed by all,
Ken was always a ray of sunshine and always enjoyed his company when he would visit."
Bill Vandenbosch wrote on Jan 22, 2017:
"Daniela, my deepest sympathy to you and your family. I first met Ken when he called into the United Cerebral Palsy Telethon to make a significant donation to start a group home for Our clients. He later served on the Board of UCP. In addition, he became a member of Governor Babbitt's State Emploment and Training Council and was a significant force in representing the needs of people with disabilities. These activities were in the late 70's and our paths crossed infrequently over recent years. He was a wonderful man and a great contributor to society.."
Agnes Moyer wrote on Jan 17, 2017:
"Daniela and family, my condolence and prayers are with you......I know exactly your feelings and you will get through this......you now will live with all your beautiful memories you have and cherish them.....I am here for you any time.......
God Bless,
Agnes Moyer"
Philip Adamo wrote on Jan 17, 2017:
"Daniela,
Our sincere condolences on Kenneth's passing. He was a role model to all of us who knew him."
Gillian Grafton/Johnson. wrote on Jan 17, 2017:
"I was so sad to hear of Ken's passing. He was such a sweet, compassionate man. Floyd had so much admiration for Ken and I hope Floyd is among those waiting for his dear friend on the other side. .
My condolences to you Daniela; My thoughts and prayers are with you."
Kathy Replogle wrote on Jan 17, 2017:
"Dear Daniela,
I am so sorry to read about Kenneth. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
Kathy Replogle ( YMCA yoga)"
Joyce Weber wrote on Jan 16, 2017:
"To the Jacuzzi family,
I am sorry to hear of Ken's passing.
You can be sure he left his footprint in this world.
I worked with Ken while a counselor for RSA.
Thoughts and prayers to you."
Sister Nancy Wellmeier, SNDdeN wrote on Jan 16, 2017:
"Dear Daniela,
I am so sorry you have lost Ken, but I am happy to have known him and admired him for so many reasons. Please know that I pray that your good memories will help you through the next difficult times."
Margaret Walsh wrote on Jan 15, 2017:
"I met Ken through the Speakers Bureau of the United Way. I always enjoyed his presence and wonderful disposition and smile. He was an inspiration for all."
Aaron WAke wrote on Jan 15, 2017:
"Ken was one of my dearest friends and mentors. He always taught me to have a positive outlook on life and not to take things too seriously. Ken had a warm and loving spirit. I always loved going to Ken's and Daniela's house for Italian food as Daniela was a great cook. He always had a smile on his face which made me feel very happy. No matter how hard life got for me he was always there to lift my spirits and to make me feel better. I will miss his chuckle and his funny jokes. Ken was truly a man that I admired and loved. May he rest in peace. Aaron Wake"
cindy raines wrote on Jan 15, 2017:
"Dear Daniela,
I was deeply saddened to hear that Ken had passed on. He was such a good man, and he did so much to help others. I know he had many, many friends who will miss him dearly. My thoughts and prayers are, and will continue to be, with you both. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you now, or in the coming weeks or months.
Love,
Cindy Raines"
cindy raines wrote on Jan 15, 2017:
"Dear Daniela,
I was deeply saddened to hear that Ken had passed on. He was such a good man, and he did so much to help others. I know he had many, many friends who will miss him dearly. My thoughts and prayers are, and will continue to be, with you both. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you now, or in the coming weeks or months.
Love,
Cindy Raines"
Cindy Polizzi wrote on Jan 15, 2017:
"Kenny was my Uncle and I loved him very much. My mother, his older sister was very close to her brother and I know that they are now in heaven together free of any pain and holding hands. Ken was always trying to help others and was always concerned about our welfare. He was funny and always fun to be with. I know that he had some very memorable events in his life that brought him joy but nothing that compared to the love he had for Daniela. Daniela was always there for Kenny. She loved him,took care of him and was loyal to the end. Daniela has always been a wonderful person not only to Ken but to everyone she knows, i know you must be heart broken. I have been thinking about you both with fond memories and happy thoughts. I love you both very much.
Cindy"
Debbie Billings Granger wrote on Jan 13, 2017:
"Oh Daniela, how my heart hurts for you. You were his saint, his love, his everything. I am so deeply saddened to hear of your loss. Ken was extraordinary in so many ways - not the least, of loving life and, it seemed, everyone in it. A generous man. Funny. Loyal. Brilliant. And so kind. I am so overwhelmed with gratitude that you both were a part of my life and affected it so positively, and will always cherish the memories from our get-togethers when I passed through Arizona on my road trips. I will begin re-reading his autobiography, "Jacuzzi", tonight. He will live on through his words, his art, his lifelong good work for the disabled, and always and ever in our hearts. Much love to you. You are in my prayers."
KATHY Heimbaugh wrote on Jan 13, 2017:
"I knew Kenneth many years ago working at Western Medical, he was a very kind man and highly intelligent. The world will miss this man truly."
Donna wrote on Jan 11, 2017:
"So sorry to hear about Kenneth, I hope that the memories of him will warm your hearts and bring your family a source of comfort, another source of comfort is found at John 5: 28,29 which tells us that Jehovah God and his son Jesus Christ will soon resurrect the ones we have lost in death. May that hope give you and your family comfort during this sad time."