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Obituary for KENNETH W. RICHARDSON, JR.
Kenneth “Kenny” Wordell Richardson, Jr. was born in Washington, D.C. on April 7, 1950 to Gwendolyn Lorraine Rector Savage and Kenneth Wordell Richardson, Sr. Although spending most of his childhood in DC, he lived in Red Bank, New Jersey, for a period of time.
He departed this life on December 1, 2021 at the age of 71 in his home in Owings, Maryland surrounded by family. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Upon his 1969 graduation from Calvin Coolidge High School in DC, he attended Virginia Union University in Richmond, Virginia, where he became a proud member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. Kenny earned a B.A. degree in Urban Studies in 1975.
Kenny used his Urban Studies degree in his position with the DC Government’s Youth Opportunity Services. It is there that he met the love of his life, Cynthia Thomas. The two were married in 1976. Throughout the years, Kenny worked in various professional capacities, but his true passion was for his fitness enterprise. He assisted medical professionals to rehabilitate patients. He also led his personal fitness clients to reach their wellness goals.
Kenny was a super involved parent and community member. He served as the Dunkirk Warriors Football Commissioner and coach; this was considered amazing because he had never played football before. He also was a volunteer for the local Boy Scout Troop, President of the Sunderland Elementary School PTA, and a Calverton School board member.
Kenny endured various health challenges during the past ten years. His indomitable spirit, hope and perseverance kept him going and fighting for the best possible life for his family and for himself.
He will be remembered for many things. First and foremost was his love for God and family. He was kind and compassionate to all around him. Kenny never met a stranger. Everyone who was in contact with him remembered a kindness and the helping hand he offered. An encounter with Kenny was unforgettable. He touched everyone he met in some way.
He was so proud of Cynthia and his children, Kenneth III, Kevin, Korenne and his three grandchildren, Ava Rose, Eric and Kenneth IV. Kenny was family-centered. Not a day went by without him holding court by phone or video with each child and each grandchild.
Kenny also was a gifted singer whose tenor voice was heralded in churches and concert halls. During his college years in Richmond, he sang professionally with a group named the Mixed Emotions.
Kenny lived life with passion and exuberance. His love for people and joy of life was boundless. People gravitated to Kenny and he gravitated to them. He loved to host gatherings and to attend them. He will be remembered for his larger than life personality, his effervescence, his kindness, and the bright light that shone around him and his works.
Left to continue his extraordinary legacy are his wife, Cynthia, his children Kenneth III (Sylvia), Kevin (Amanda) and Korenne (Eric Smith), grandchildren, Ava Rose, Eric II, and Kenneth IV, and a host of other relatives and friends.
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Funeral service plans have changed and are now private.
