Kenneth E. Nardinelli

Ken Nardinelli passed away Saturday, February 10 at Woodland Memorial Hospital from pancreatic cancer. Ken was born to Matt and Emma Nardinelli on March 28, 1931 in Woodland, CA. Ken went through the Woodland school system graduating in 1949. After graduation he accepted a football scholarship to Santa Clara University where he played football and baseball. He graduated from Santa Clara in 1953 with a business degree. After playing one season of professional baseball, Ken spent the next two years as a Lieutenant in the Army Artillery Division. In 1953, he met the love of his life, Franie Matulich. They were married in 1955 and spent over 62 wonderful years together. Upon his return to Woodland, he worked in the family business, Woodland Plumbing and Hardware. After 20 years in the family business, Ken went to work for his good friend, Gene Luhdorff. When Gene sold the business, Ken went to work for W. P. Wilson & Sons until he retired at age 75. In 1961, Ken took up golf and could be found playing at the Yolo Fliers Club most weekends. Ken has the distinction of being the only golfer at the Yolo Fliers Club to score a birdie on every hole both left and right handed. Ken was always involved in sports - as a participant, coach, official, announcer or broadcaster. He was never far from competition. Ken is survived by his wife, Franie; son, Dave; sister, Marge Locke; grandchildren, Alison (Nick) Jessen and Jennifer; and great-grandson, Hudson Jessen. Sisters-in-law, Kathy Souza, Margie (Dick) Wagner, Carol Matulich; and many cousins, nieces & nephews. There will be a mass at 10:30am at Holy Rosary Church on Friday, February 23 followed by a private burial at St. Josephs Cemetery. Reception to follow at the Yolo Fliers Club. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Holy Rosary Church building fund, Woodland Memorial Hospital or a charity of your choice.