Ian Joseph King

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Ian Joseph King, who departed this world on December 5, 2023 at 77 years old. He left us peacefully in Jacksonville, FL - surrounded by his loved ones.

Ian was born on June 3, 1946 in Longford, Ireland to John (Sean) Francis King and Anna Ester (Nancy) Kelleher King. The oldest of his siblings, he grew up in Ireland, where he attended University College Dublin (UCD), receiving a bachelor of science degree in physical and inorganic chemistry. His time at UCD fostered a lifelong passion for learning, reading, and educating others about the physical/natural world.

His sense of adventure and passion for knowledge inspired him to cross the Atlantic Ocean for the United States, where he obtained his Doctorate of Philosophy in the Department of Chemistry at Fordham University in New York City. Knowledge was his power to inspire positivity in those who he encountered.

In 1982, Ian married Jean Petruny King, and together had 3 children - twins Ronan Francis and Richella Georgette (Theil), and Orlaith Jean. He is survived by siblings: Deirdre Burns (Michael), Anne King, Barbara Grimes (Richard), Harry King (Avril), Colin King (Dara), Fionan King (Hilary), and grandchildren Kiera and Isla Theil.

A scientist at Westinghouse (Siemens), Ian dedicated his career to pushing the boundaries of technology. Outside of his professional life, Ian was deeply passionate about reading and learning. As a fierce advocate for empowering others, he was fulfilled through providing knowledge by tutoring others. Through University of Central Florida's (UCF) Learning Institute For Elders, Ian joined a community of lifelong learners to study and further causes, including gerontology.

Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in 1992, Ian fought his battle with MS through activism. He was influential in the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Central Florida, where he led the effort to improve the lives of those suffering from MS. Throughout his life, his ambition was to contribute towards advancing the search for a cure for Multiple Sclerosis. Enthusiastically participating in trials and studies, he was well aware that it wouldn't alleviate his own MS. He did so with the optimism of providing valuable research and results to improve the future for others diagnosed with MS.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the National MS Society in his honor.

A memorial service celebration for Ian's life will be held at Dubsdread Country Club in Orlando, FL on Saturday, January 13, 2024 beginning at 11:00 AM.

Thank you to everyone near and far who reached out with kind words, shared memories, and condolences. Our family is forever grateful and we know this is exactly how Ian/Dad/Grandad would want to be celebrated.