Kenneth Vianello

Celebration of Kenneth John Vianello1940 - 2016Ken Vianello of Ocala, Florida, passed away peacefully at his home the morning of June 17, 2016, surrounded by his wife and two children, at the age of 76. He touched and guided countless lives. Behind each life is a memorable story, relationship, good time, friendship, accomplishment, filled with respect, admiration, and love. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather, a career educator, and a role model for all. Born on March 7, 1940, in Chicago, Illinois, Ken grew up on the south side of Chicago surrounded by a large family and lively family gatherings. His father John Vianello worked in the steel mills and his mother Lorraine Vianello was the homemaker. Growing up there wasn't much money for the household, but there was always an abundance of love which he often credited for his success in life. He graduated from Fenger High School in 1958 and it was there he met the love of his life Diana Dietrich, whom he would marry on December 29, 1962. They remained happily together for 53 years. Ken excelled at football resulting in a scholarship to Western Michigan University. He modeled, appearing on billboards in downtown Chicago and on the back cover of Sports Illustrated. In 1972 he moved his immediate family to Ocala, Florida. Much of his extended family soon followed. As in Chicago, everyone lived on the same street or just a few blocks away. To this day, his house is a mere three houses down from his sister Carol's residence. He dedicated his life's work to education where he guided, advised, and prepared others for their life's work. He loved giving advice, and those receiving it were always better off. Throughout his career he served as the principal of Harvard St. George in Chicago, Ft. King Middle, Forest High School, Vanguard High School, and West Port High School. Frequently throughout his retirement, Ken spoke fondly of his 18 years with his Vanguard family. Over his 35-year career, he hired hundreds of teachers, graduated tens of thousands of students, and mentored three Superintendents. His impact on the community and the lives he touched is immeasurable. He is survived by his wife Diana, and two children, Sheri Fanelli, a staffing specialist for Seminole County Public Schools, and Mark Vianello, an administrator for Marion County Public Schools. His daughter Sheri is married to Scott Fanelli for 23 years and they have two children, Mitchell, a senior at Lake Brantley High School and Kathryn, a sophomore at Lake Brantley High School. His son Mark is married to Shannon Rowell Vianello for 23 years and they have three children, John who attends the University of Florida, Nicole a senior at Forest High School, and Christine, a sophomore at Forest High School. Ken has three siblings, Carol Bard, a retired principal and long term educator, and her husband Roger; Robert Vianello, a professor at California State University at Los Angeles; David Vianello, a retired executive for ABC and his partner Walter Meyer. Also an aunt, Louise Rodd, who recently moved to Florida, two nephews, Thomas Bard and his wife Michelle who have daughters Kyra and Lauren, and Jason Bard and his wife Karla. His cousins, Diana Vianello Thornhill and Barbara Vianello Pettit still reside in Chicago. Ken's leisure included spending time at his weekend oasis, a second home on the St. John's River. Upon his retirement in 2004, his attention turned to traveling the world with his wife and long-time childhood friends Jeanne and Larry Quinlivan. Their destinations included Alaska, the South Pacific, and countries throughout Europe. His favorite destination was Rome, Italy, which he visited twice. He took his family on vacations as well including multiple trips to Disney World, Caribbean cruises, and most recently a beach-house in St. Augustine. We marvel how a child from the south side of Chicago grew up to experience so much. The reason, of course, comes from his strong foundation of family and love. The great man will be missed, but not forgotten. Do not weep that he is gone, celebrate that he was here.His celebration service will be held on Friday, June 24, beginning at 2:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, in the Family Life Center, located at 1126 E. Silver Springs Blvd, in Ocala. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Public Education Foundation of Marion County located at the Thelma Parker Center, 1239 NW 4th Street, Ocala, Florida 34475. Please visit the website at www.robertsfuneralhomes.com to leave in loving memory messages.

Kenneth Vianello

March 7, 1940 - June 17, 2016