MELBOURNE, Fla. - Kenneth J. Provoncha, of Melbourne, passed away Monday, April 14, 2014.
He was born Jan. 6, 1925, in Middlebury, Vt., to and predeceased by, Lois (Orvis) and Albia Provoncha. He was also predeceased by two older brothers, Maurice "Moose" and Harold.
Kenneth served in the Navy during World War II as an Aviation Ordnanceman and graduated from Middlebury College in 1951.
He taught school in Massachusetts for 30 years, retiring in 1986 from Northampton High School. He also ran a summer camp for special needs children for several years. Moving to Melbourne in 1986, he worked for the Florida Today and Orlando Sentinel newspapers covering high school and college sports. He later worked as a substitute teacher at Melbourne and Palm Bay High Schools, and later as a substitute at Melbourne Central Catholic High School for 10 years.
Mr. Provoncha spent over two years in Saudi Arabia in the 1990's. While he was there, he worked as an English tutor to two members of the Royal Saudi family.
He was an avid sports fan, following everything from little league to professional sports.
He is survived by three daughters, Pamela Lybarger of Indian Harbour Beach, Paula Carnes and husband Gary of Altus, Okla., and Patti Provoncha of Palm Bay; son Jim Provoncha and wife Janis of Palm Bay; grandchildren Jason Provoncha, Eleanor Carnes, Reid Lybarger, Harrison Carnes, Justin Provoncha and Patrick Carnes; as well as several nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, Mr. Provoncha prefers memorial donations be made to a scholarship fund in his name at Melbourne Central Catholic High School, 100 East Florida Avenue, Melbourne, FL 32901.
There will be a memorial service held Saturday, April 19, at 11 a.m. at Ammen Family Funeral Care, 1001 Hickory Street, Melbourne.
To sign a Guest Book, express condolences, share memories and read other obituaries, go to www.gazettenet.com/obituaries.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Almost another year....still best teacher and comfort during my high school years
God bless
Jessica Quinlivan Delgatto
Student
April 10, 2019
Sorry to hear about Mr P's passing. A great teacher always a smile and
his love of sports was full of excitement! A rare person who cared about his students and friends.
All out thoughts and prayers to his family.
Jim Hutchins- special ed teacher
Jeff Hutchins NHS class of 1978
April 18, 2014
So sorry Jim for your loss. My prayers and love to you and your family.
Janet Baron
April 17, 2014
so sorry to hear about kens passing. my sincere condolences to the provoncha family.thanks for your support and guidance during my high school years Mr.P,you touched my heart. Thank you. Hamp high class of 74.
michael trombley
April 17, 2014
I met Ken in the early 80s when he was teaching at Northampton High. He was a kind and strongly supportive guide to my very troubled and needy child client (Kathy L.) during a very difficult and challenging time for her. I remember his strong personal warmth and spirit.
Last time I saw him back then, he asked: "How goes the battle?", referring with compassion for the challenges of my work in child protection.
Well, Ken. I'm still "carrying on" with Your Loving Support.
In Sadness,
Bill Simmons
413-374-7525
Bill Simmons
April 17, 2014
Sorry for your loss Patti; Hope we can rekindle family ties.
Janet Scoville
April 16, 2014
Paula, Patti, Jim, and Pam: So sorry to hear of your father's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.
Paul and Karen Craig
Paul & Karen Craig
April 16, 2014
Pam,Paula,Patti and Jim
Sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. Thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
Darlene Banas
April 16, 2014
Rest in Peace Coach P. You touched many lives. Thank You for being a great friend at NHS. "Heads Up"
Sean Keating
April 16, 2014
Rest in peace, Dad. You'll live on in our hearts forever. I love you & will miss you more than you know.
Patti Provoncha
April 16, 2014
Jim, Patti, Paula and Pam, I am so sorry to learn of the loss of your dad. May he RIP, my thoughts are with you.
Carole Lavalle
April 16, 2014
Mr. P words cannot express the appreciation I have for your love and dedication to us as students and individuals. You kept in touch even after we moved on from school. You are loved so much and I pray you watch over me as you did before. Thank you and love you always!!!
Kristine Cassidy
April 15, 2014
Rest in peace to the best teacher
The first person who made.me feel welcome in a new school
Love always
MCC class of 99
Jessica quinlivan
April 15, 2014
Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results
Funeral services provided by:
Ammen Family Cremation & Funeral Care - Melbourne1001 S. Hickory St, Melbourne, FL 32901
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more