Ken DiCesare Obituary
January 9, 2025
Ken DiCesare, 73, of Northern Virginia, passed away at Arlington Hospital Center after a hemorrhagic stroke. Born in Springfield, MA, he moved to Northern Virginia at age five.
After graduating from East Tennessee State, he moved back to Alexandria where he dedicated his life to uplifting others, teaching in Falls Church City schools, and coaching swimming.
Ken is survived by his wife, Sally, daughters Elyse DiCesare and Claire Shreeve (Andrew), grandchildren, and siblings Lori Richichi (Tom) their children Gabrielle Gower (Joe) and Brendan, and Joe DiCesare (Joanne) their children Jared and Rachel.
Known for his humor, kindness, and dedication to others, Ken often said, "When I wake up, I think, 'Who can I be kind to?'"
A Celebration of Life will follow. Instead of flowers, please consider donating to Amnesty International (amnestyusa.org) or A Living Tribute (alivingtribute.org) to honor Ken's memory and spirit.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Amelia O'Sullivan
June 3, 2025
I love you ken. you were my favorite coach
Harry Campbell
May 7, 2025
Kenny at wedding reception 1974
Mike Powers
May 6, 2025
Kenny was a true Ireton Brother and a great baseball teammate as well as friend. He was always positive and one of the great people to be around at any event or school function. I´m sure he will be missed by all of his family and friends as he certainly had one of those magnetic personalities...
RIP My friend...
Go Cardinals
Eric DiCesare
March 8, 2025
We are deeply saddened to hear of Kenny´s passing. He was such a vibrant soul, and his happiest moments were always when he was using his boundless energy to help others. His kindness and humor will never be forgotten, and he leaves behind a legacy of love and generosity. Our hearts go out to all of you (especially Sally, Claire, Elise, Lori and Joey) during this difficult time. May you find comfort in the wonderful memories we all shared with him. We love you Kenny!
Love,
Connie and Eric DiCesare
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Dax Oleson
March 4, 2025
This guy made my day in every PE class in middle school
Otto Litton
March 4, 2025
One of my favorite subs, thank you for all of those awesome days
Wayne Wykoff
February 7, 2025
I am so sorry to hear this news. In 1975, when I arrived at the KA house, those guys were like the greek gods. Ken made me feel welcome - whether it was borrowing the Bronco, at social events, going to get his snake dinner. Side note, the snake was named Tim Kelly - that's another story. Ken just bounced through life having fun and getting his responsibilities done - a lesson for us all then and now. Best to Sally and all. Godspeed. Wayne and Kathy Wykoff
Tim Kelly
January 29, 2025
My Brother Ken and I met at ETSU. He is the definition of what "Joy" should be in this world. He is truly the image of our Creator. Ken always had a smile on his face, a good word of encouragement and laughter in his heart. I can´t remember anyone else that had so much energy for life as Ken. To his wife, kids, grandchildren and family, Patti and I express our deepest condolences. He drove from DC to Roanoke to be in our wedding in 1979! Loved this man! He made us all better for knowing him. God´s speed Brother. Tim Kelly
Randy Stein
January 22, 2025
Our daughters have been beat friends since they were 3 years old. Ken and I constantly commiserate their conspiracies against us and the rest of the world.
See you on the other side
Joey Barrett
January 21, 2025
The Ireton Class of '70 mourns the devastating loss of yet another one of its good guys
RIP Kenny
Michael Foley
January 19, 2025
Ken and I were partners in Chemistry our sophomore year at Bishop Ireton HS. I doubt if the rest of the class made grades better than we did. As the years have gone by, his legacy as a truly nice and caring guy has grown. He had a way of elevating people´s moods without being vulgar or nasty. He was LOVED by classmates as well as the girls of St Mary´s Academy.
Harry Campbell
January 19, 2025
Harry Campbell
January 19, 2025
Susan Peters
January 18, 2025
I met Ken before he and my sister became engaged and have always appreciated his good humor and cheer. I have no doubt Sally's memories of their time together will shore her up as she braves this new time of her life.
Bridgett Rorrer
January 16, 2025
Mr. D, rest easy. The world is a little darker now. But your positivity, humor, and kindness will continue to brighten it up.
I met Mr. D in first grade (!!!) and I am about to be 26. Right out of college, I became a substitute teacher back in the same school system and I was so excited when I saw Mr. D in the halls. We caught up, laughed, and then of course he brought out the yearbook from when I was in first grade and showed everyone my photo. He was so proud that it was such a full circle moment and I felt so much love that he continued to care so much for his students. The fact that Mr. D still had the yearbook from 15 years prior, shows exactly who he was. He really helped shape how I taught children. I will continue to try to live everyday like Mr. D; caring, passionate, and of course bringing humor into every situation.
Edward Miles
January 16, 2025
Ken was my high school classmate, where I knew him as a good and decent guy, the kind anyone would welcome as a friend. It appears that he continued this throughout his life, and thereby brought happiness to so many people. It's hard to imagine a more useful, and admirable, life. Well done Ken.
Ed Miles
Edward Miles
January 16, 2025
Ken was my high school classmate, where I knew him as a good and decent guy, the kind anyone would welcome as a friend. It appears that he continued this throughout his life, and thereby brought happiness to so many people. It's hard to imagine a more useful, and admirable, life. Well done Ken. --Ed Miles
Richard Ford
January 16, 2025
I cannot even fathom that this precious and decent man is no longer with us. There are times in life when an unexpected event suddenly grips you and the routine of life is suspended upon hearing that a classmate and friend has passed away. Kenny was a wonderful human being and now as holy writ declares," to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." May the Nazarene Carpenter comfort the DiCesare family and all who mourn the loss of Kenny.
Elizabeth Klein
January 16, 2025
miss you ken. I will always remember at swimming on Wednesday nights you talking and encouraging me to do my best. love elizabeth
Grace Akins
January 15, 2025
I had the pleasure of knowing Mr. D at Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School, alongside my twin sister and my little sister. We, and all of the students absolutely loved him. He was the best teacher, coach, and mentor ever, this is so sad. Sending prayers to his family and his loved ones, I will forever remember him.
Shelly DuBois
January 15, 2025
I had the privilege of knowing Ken (Mr. D) for over 22 years. I first met him in Alexandria where he was a substitute for me when I was a young teacher going on maternity leave. He was the best with the kids and took great joy in being "their" person. He followed me/I followed him to Falls Church City Public schools, where I would often hear him bellow through the auditorium "Mrs. DuBois!" He always had a smile on his face, and joy in his heart. You could not walk away from a conversation with him, without feeling happiness. He just made you feel good. I also got to see and spend time with him during summer season. Though he was often on the other side coaching at Hollin Meadows, I got to see him at dual meets and All Star Relays. His crazy outfits were amazing and memorable. He never failed to ask me about my daughter and her swimming as she grew from an 8 and under to a college swimmer. Ken was an amazing person, and I feel blessed to have known him in so many areas of my life. He really, really was the absolute best. Sending my prayers and thoughts to his family.
Bethany Thompson
January 15, 2025
Ken was there for me in grade school. He was a shoulder to cry on when things got tough at school. He always made me laugh... always listened.. always offered wise advice. All my memories of him are soft and kind. He gave the best hugs. His memory will live on and on within me. Sending my dearest condolences.
Katrina, Alexa, and Brody Wagner
January 15, 2025
MR.D....screamed loudly down the halls of Mary Ellen Henderson middle by both of my kids for many years. Just seeing him every day brought a huge smile to their faces and so much comfort. I remember doing drop offs and seeing him at his car with the trunk open deciding on which "silly hat" to wear to make the kids smile that day. If one of my kids had a bad day...they went to Mr. D's classroom to regroup. As a mom...what more could I have ever asked for? Thank you Mr. D for giving so much of yourself to the youth of Falls Church! To his family, thank you for sharing his abundant joy and daily smiles with our families.
Ivana Pelikan
January 15, 2025
From a parent of 2 girls in FCCPS. Every time I go into the school and run into him, his face would be lit with a huge smile. That was simply him! Always there to lift everyone´s spirits and offer a word of encouragement or appreciation.
He was a special person. His selfless service to others and endless kindness will be missed.
Our school will not be the same without him.
Your legacy and spirit continue to shine. Thank you.
Jeff Hoge
January 15, 2025
To Kenny: Classmate at St. Louis and BI.
Sarah Innis
January 14, 2025
Coach Ken was my coach for ten years and my first boss at Hollin Meadows when I started coaching. He was always the perfect intersection of fun, kindness, and instruction. I wrote my high school admission essay on how he was my role model. He had such a profound impact on how I grew up and taught me how to treat others. He was an amazing man. I am sure that Heaven gained an angel this week.
Greg Shoemaker
January 14, 2025
I wanted to add another memory since the previous one about funny socks was entered by my 11 y/o Emily - without me knowing lol - who had the funniest banter-filled relationship with Ken. In fact, he had a uniquely different relationship with all three of my kids according to their needs and their personalities. And although he was a fantastic caméléon in that sense (always engaging the kids where they were at personally and athletically) he was unwaveringly honest and direct with me so much so that if he said it then it must have been true. The Shoemakers will miss him dearly.
Inez Jones
January 14, 2025
I´m truly heartbroken , I don´t know the right words to say and exactly how to express my grief and utter sadness of the lost of you my dear friend. We´ve had many of laughs at work and tons of fun spirit weeks dressing up in our festive outfits and your awesome socks ! Thanks for all the fatherly advice you would give me and would tell me don´t put up with this and that from anyone. You showed your friends /students so much love and truly was a remarkable man. Til we meet again REST EASY . I´m sure you´re up there keeping all the angels laughing. Thanks for being u!
Brian McCormick
January 14, 2025
Farewell to a truly fine man. Kenny I touched base when our daughters were in the middle school orchestra many years ago. I remember him as a funny considerate and caring man. GOD bless his family at this trying time.
Peter Kuhmerker
January 14, 2025
After talking with Ken, you always left feeling better. He was a force of nature and the world will be a little dimmer without him. I'll miss my Ft. Myers swim team buddy.
Greg Shoemaker
January 14, 2025
His funny hats and socks
John Purnell
January 14, 2025
Ken was one of the kindest, most patient persons during our years at Bishop Ireton. Obviously God felt Kenny had done enough good and it was time for him to go home. My prayers are for the many who feel the void of losing such a warm, funny, caring person.
Jack Kirby
January 14, 2025
So sorry to hear about Kenny, never forget opening football game senior year vs Hammond, I catch a pass at mid field, Kenny comes up hits my helmet and knocks both contacts out! As we are getting on bus after game, I see the lights still on at old GW stadium, two guys , my dad and Kenny´s dad on hands and knees combing grass for two contacts! Never found them! Love ya Kenny!
RIP
Ed Baxa
January 14, 2025
I was very sad to hear the news of Kenny's passing, but remembering him almost immediately brought a smile to my face. We played baseball and football together at BI, and were cabin mates at football camp in Kilmarnack (with Mike O'Brien, Harry Campbell, and Steve Doll, as I recall). Kenny kept us all laughing through that ordeal. He was a fabulous teammate and friend. My sincere condolences to the family. Ed Baxa
Osteen Espins
January 14, 2025
Mr.D was my good luck charm, every time i would have a game and i would see him in the hallways he would always give me good luck. i was always so happy to see him in the halls, he would always make my day better just by having a chat with him. god bless him and his family for he will forever be in our hearts
Ed Grimm
January 14, 2025
I am so deeply saddened to hear of Kenny's passing, and I express my most sincere condolences to his entire family. I know that this has to be a terrible loss for them, and I hope they find solace in each other's company and the many, many memories of Kenny that they will have forever. I met Kenny in high school, and we were teammates on the baseball team. He was an excellent baseball player and an even greater friend. We spent a lot of time together hitting golf balls, playing pool at my house, and grabbing meals together. I especially remember our trip to Atlanta, Georgia after graduation. We flew to Atlanta, with the full support of our dads, to go visit Ty Cobb, baseball's greatest hitter, so that we could discuss hitting with him. After checking in at our hotel, we contacted the sports editor of the Atlanta Constitution, asking where we could find Ty Cobb to talk hitting with him. There was a tremendous belly laugh that went on for about a minute (I think this guy had tears in his eyes). He said, "son, Ty Cobb passes away 9 years ago!" It was disappointing. More disappointing was the fact that our dads knew Cobb was not living but still let us go! Kenny and I did enjoy 5 days in Atlanta, though! I will never forget him, that story, or that experience with Kenny. May he rest in peace.
Kenny Egger
January 14, 2025
I was very sad to learn of Kenny's passing and wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to his entire family. Kenny and I were childhood friends in the 1960s when we were classmates at St. Louis Catholic School and Bishop Ireton High School. I always knew him as a fun loving and genuine person and it was wonderful having him as a friend during our school years and I will forever have fond memories of those times. As we entered adulthood we occasionally saw each other and always easily picked up where we had left off many years prior. But now regretfully I wish we had kept in contact much more frequently. Kenny was a class act and he made a difference in the lives of so many.
Courtney Gibbons
January 14, 2025
Mr. D always knew how to make everyone in the class smile and laugh. He truly cared out all the students and made sure they knew it. He was such a joy to work with and forever leaves an impact on MEH and the FCC Schools. My heart goes out to his family.
adena williams
January 14, 2025
Mr. D was such a treasure to Falls Church City Public Schools. When my daughter was a student at the middle school, he commented how stressed she always seemed and gifted her "Walter the Farting Dog" as she needed to relax and laugh. He never failed to bring a smile to my day and I am so thankful to have known him. I am sending you all love.
Bonnie Williams
January 13, 2025
Ken was a delightful, kind, and thoughtful neighbor! We had many a sidewalk chat, always enjoyable and interesting. I know he did a great deal for young people, especially in recent years as he was coached swimming. My heart goes out to Sally and his family. I will miss him!
Anonymous
January 13, 2025
I will never forget the way Ken made those around him feel. Comfortable, welcomed, and accepted. Ken, you were the best. Miss you.
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