Kenneth Nibali

Kenneth David Nibali, 69, of West Friendship died at home Tuesday afternoon April 4th 2017 with his family by his side. Born the third of nine children to Sidney and Marjorie (Wright) Nibali, Ken grew up in Middle River and Catonsville. After graduating from Catonsville High, he hitchhiked across the U.S., a defining experience. At Western Maryland College he captained the soccer team, joined Gamma Beta Xi and a rock band, graduating in 1969. Ken earned his Juris Doctorate from University of Maryland School of Law in 1978. In 1969 he married Ellen Amelia Cook of Silver Spring, MD. They had three children. Ken coached his kids soccer teams and was commissioner ('83-84) of Western Howard County Soccer League, a Webelos Cub Scout leader, and a West River Sailing Camp counselor. He enjoyed vacations in Nags Head, NC with his children and grandchildren. Self-taught, he built a garage and horse barn and renovated his childhood Victorian era home and a waterfront cottage. His children fondly remember creations such as a child-size X-Wing Fighter swing. Ken's career with the Social Security Administration spanned 30 years, including the Senior Executive Service. He retired in 2002 as Associate Commissioner of the Office of Disability. His work there impacted millions of Americans. He poured his energies into his role as public servant, family man, and friend. Independent, yet a natural leader, he was known for his love of fun, adventure, great sense of humor, and legendary backyard fireworks. Ken traveled to every state in the U.S., Africa, China, British Virgin Islands, and Europe, even the Sicilian town of Castell'Umberto, his family's origin. In retirement he played golf, served as a Howard County Board of Elections Chief Judge, volunteered at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, and he and Ellen founded Fairland Books, an independent publisher. He is survived by his beloved wife Ellen; daughter Jennifer with husband Charles (Chuck) May and grandsons Charles (Chase) and Evan of Highland, MD; son Benjamin with wife Emily and granddaughters Ava and Maia of Maryville, TN; and son Vincent of Baltimore. Also survived by seven siblings: Mike, Diane Eney (husband Bob), Rich, Barb, Phil (wife Christine), Jim, and Jeff, along with many nieces and nephews. Family and friends may call at Harry H. Witzke Funeral Home on Old Columbia Pike,Ellicott City 2-4pm or 6-8pm Sunday April 9, 2017. Memorial service at 11am Monday April 10th at St. Louis Catholic Church, Clarksville. A graveside service following, Crestlawn Cemetery, Marriottsville. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake.