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BORN
1941
DIED
2017
Kenneth Jacuzzi Obituary
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.
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Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Jacuzzi
Rosanna Hanley
May 19, 2024
I miss you so much uncle Ken.
Love,
Rosanna
Raymond Ussery
January 3, 2024
Mr. and Mrs. Jacuzzi used to visit Clearlake California with their Son Ken, my Mother and Dad became acquainted with the Jacuzzis and would take me over to play with Ken... he was 2 years older then me but I have fond memories of those visits...
God Bless Him and his family, may He Rest In Peace..
Mr. Kim Allen Beasley
September 14, 2023
I met Ken at a reception unveiling the new design of the new MLB stadium in Phoenix. I was the Director of Architecture for the Paralyzed Veterans of America at the time. He was very gracious and he told me about his father's invention resulting in the Jacuzzi Tub. I share this story often when I speak to audiences around the world. I explain this the tub, this icon of luxury, is the result of a father's love for his disabled son. It always inspires me and brings tears to my eyes. God bless Ken and his family. I look forward to seeing him again on the corner of 1st and Glory!
Julia Connolly
February 26, 2023
Oh, Ken ... you are missed.
One of the best disability advocates I have ever met. Ken and I were on several disability boards together starting around 1987. We met through the Disability Network board which represented all disabilities. Frank Kells, an amazing blind advocate nominated me to that board when I was president of the Epilepsy Society. Ken and I, as well as, Robert Lynch, representing Polio and Post Polio, and Ed Reger, representing Paralyzed Vets, were all on other boards together including the Catholic Diocesan Disability board and the Harrington Institute Advisory board. We were the four musketeers. Boards and non-profits, in general, have limitations that sometimes prevent
our assisting a person in need. That never prevented Ken, Bob, Ed and I from phoning each other privately after the board meeting to figure out how we could accomplish solving the problem privately. We all knew personal suffering and said "No disabled person's genuine need put in our path would be ignored". We found a way. That's only one reason I loved Ken and the guys. Our buddies Abe Jaffe and Frank Kells were of the same mind. All we cared about was alleviating human suffering. Ken never complained. He forged on in all of his leadership capacities as one of the most loyal and caring advocates. And yes, he had a great sense of humor and that devilish twinkle in his eyes. The rest of the "gang" died prior to him. I was the youngest of our gang ... the only one left. I say to you, Ken, the same thing I said to each member as they passed: "Save me a seat, please, at your board table in Heaven. I will be along eventually." Love to you Ken. Julia
sheila colton
December 23, 2021
I just learned that my cousin left this world
Rivko Knox
January 9, 2021
First, it is hard to believe that is four years since Ken's death!! Ken was such an 'alive' person in all ways, and I can just imagine his fully justified outrage of the events that took place this week, while keeping that wonderful twinkle in his eyes!!! When Ken was 100% committed to justice, democracy, equality etc., he also always amazed me by how he found enjoyment and beauty in so many aspects of life.
Don Karl
January 9, 2021
I still have a very Brave and Honest man in my memories. I have only one regret of not getting West to meet him face to face. We talked many times over the phone, and though I grew to know the Man, to have shook his hand and feel His Warmth would have solidified our feelings for one another. God Bless my Friend
Rivko Knox
May 5, 2020
Good to see another entry into this Ken legacy. I knew and admired and enjoyed Ken off and on as our paths crossed in various ways for probably 30 years or so, and gradually got to know Daniela as well, who always was the love of Ken's life and such a support to him. I wrote something shortly after he passed away but seeing this reminded me of what a loss to our world his not being here is, as he always looked for and found ways to make the world a more just, caring, kind, humane place for all. I was so honored to know him; and I hope Daniela that you are finding ways to continue to enjoy your life - live fully and richly -- as Ken would have wanted you to do.
Don Karl
May 4, 2020
A friend and mentor of far away. Lost touch and I am saddened to have found him here. But we are at rest. Thank you Ken for your help and banter. God Bless
August 10, 2019
Dear Daniela,
I am so sorry to hear about Ken's death. Gosh, he called me one day a few months earlier but we were out of the country. I helped him write the story of his life and his father's invention of the Jacuzzi. I loved you two dearly.
I hope you are doing okay. Perhaps you still have the house in Fountain Hills. I hope your life can be as good as possible. You were a saint for Ken and I don't know how you did it.
All my love,
Dr. Diane Holloway Cheney
March 7, 2019
I am so sorry for this news! I knew Ken at AGSIM/Thunderbird. Did not know him well, but noticed that he always seemed to be upbeat and helpful. Also did not realize he was 14 years older than I am. RIP my friend!
Paul Morris
August 24, 2017
I'm late to this news but glad I knew Ken and spent some time with him. He was a student in my writing classeswhere he slowly and carefully crafted his charming memoir. In person he was funny and always made me laugh with his ribald stories--nothing was off limits in his brave and honest storytelling. He found humor in all aspects of life and always enjoyed laughing at his own mistakes and challenges. He had a serious side too and his memoir shows how he thought deeply about family, daily life, work and illness. Although I never met Daniela, Ken spoke frequently about her and his joy at making a life with her. I will keep them both in my thoughts.
Stephen Kosta
March 3, 2017
Ken (& Daniela),
Thinking of you again today.
RIP.
Steve
Beverly Springer
January 20, 2017
I remember Ken arriving at Thunderbird in his special van, getting into his wheel chair, rolling across the campus to my class. In class, he was a joy - funny, smart and always ready to engage in discussions. He was a special person who truly made the world a better place.
Beverly Springer
Carol Flaherty-Zonis
January 18, 2017
For Daniella and Ken's and her family,
SO many of us admired and cared about Ken. He was such a devoted and committed advocate. For me he was a welcoming face and voice on the ACLU Board and I will remember him for his kindness, wit, knowledge, and courage.
Special wishes as you mourn his loss and celebrate his life.
Janita Dahl
January 18, 2017
I was honored to be one of the CNA's who cared for for Ken in December and I know God had a special reason for that. I loved listening to his stories and Loved hearing that giggle. He lived passionately and loved his wife passionately. Heaven is a whole lot brighter now Praying for family and friends...Mr.Ken...you will be missed.
George Harpole
January 17, 2017
I knew Kenny for some 45 years as a gifted and spiritual person who lived above and beyond all expectations to give us examples of endurance and selflessness. I believe Kenny was a gift to us by his very being for which I now pray that he may rest in peace.
His old friend, George B. Harpole
Mark Trombino
January 17, 2017
He was a great leader for many disabled people and never let his diability get in his way to help others. RIP Ken. You will be missed.
Elizabeth Hanley
January 17, 2017
Rest in peace Uncle Kenny! You where always so good to me and my brother David. Despite not having my grandparents in my life you where a surrogate grandfather and loving great Uncle to me. It has been an honor to know you and to be your great niece. I love you and will see you on the other side someday until we meet again
Zenaido Quintana
January 16, 2017
Although our time together on the ACLU of Arizona Board was brief, it was enough to get an appreciation of Ken's thoughtful wisdom and kindness. His departure from the Board was felt by us all. To his wife, Danielle, his family and his friends our most heartfelt condolences.
Charlie Herf
January 16, 2017
Daniella and Jacuzzi relatives
It is difficult to express my thoughts and feelings on the loss of an icon who was a thirty year long friend , neighbor and confidant that was always bigger than life. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Ken's contributions to the world and to those who knew him are enormous. His selfless dedication to the rights of the disabled for decades is unmatched. His kindness, life coaching and as an ear for anyone who wished to voice an opinion are unmatched. He will be missed in many ways including the inevitable chuckle that would proceed or follow anything he felt humorous. Ken , your contributions to the world,friends and those who love you will never be forgotten. You leave a wonderful legacy and example for others to follow. We love you and miss you.
Charlie Herf
Chontell Noelle
January 15, 2017
Thinking of you Daniella and family.
Rivko Knox
January 15, 2017
My heart breaks to know that Ken is gone. He was such a bright, loving, kind, cheerful human being; so full of life, so full of humor, so full of ideas and a desire to learn and explore them with others!! I first met him in 1978 or so, when he was the chair of the AZ Manpower and Training Council (appointed by the Governor) and I was one of the state employees who staffed the Council. It was through Ken that I first learned about why accessibility was important. The Council had a meting in Flagstaff at a very nice hotel; one of the other Council members hosted a social hour in his room, on the 2nd floor.....and the hotel had no elevator!! So, here was Ken the Council Chair, unable ot participate. He didn't get angry; just taught us all something.
Our paths continued to cross over the many many years to include on the American Civil Liberties of AZ Board of Directors. During those years Ken and Daniella hosted several events at their home, and the three of us often met for lunch, which turned into long discussions not only about why civil liberties are so important for everyone but that drifted into philosopohy and 'literally' the 'meaning of life and justice. While on the ACLU of AZ Board, Ken was the one who helped us all become more aware of/senitive to the issue of physically and mentally disabled prisoners and their plight in jails and prisons that did not accommodate their needs, which became a form of 'cruel and unusual punishment' and a denial of equal treatment. I also read Ken's biography many years ago and learned so much more about his family and his life, and how he battled successfully to lead a very enjoyable and meaningful life...against obviously tremendous odds. This world is a darker place with Ken gone, with less love, kindness, compassion and a passion for justice, all of which he had!!
the
LIta Jacuzzi GItt
January 15, 2017
Until we meet again dear cousin,
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