Kenneth was born in San Jose, California to Oscar and Palma Abruzzini.  He grew up in Gilroy, CA on his parent's ranch on Buena Vista Drive.  While working the prune orchard as a young boy before and after school, he knew what hard work and sacrifice meant.  Kenneth served in the National Guard as a Fireman Apprentice then in 1952 enlisted in the US Navy serving in the Korean War. At the end of the war, Kenneth's goal was to live life to its fullest by being a bull rider and racecar driver.  He and his brothers were avid fishermen and hunters.

Kenneth married Mryna Kay Walker and started a family. They first settled in San Jose and later returned to Gilroy.  He worked at the Ford Motor Plant in Milpitas as a parts auditor for over 30 years.  After retiring from Ford, he started his own mobile mechanic business and later worked as a custodian for the Morgan Hill School District before retiring and moving to Hollister, CA.

He is survived by his children, Kenneth Jr. (Carrie), Kelli (Rob), Kevin and Kreg along with 5 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.  His precious dog Rosie was always by his side.  Kenneth is preceded in death by his wife, Myrna Kay in 2017 and brothers Oscar, Leonard, Robert and sister Yvonne.

He lived a full, memorable life, saying he must have had a guardian angel looking over him. Ever the great story teller, some of our favorites were that his first drink was given to him by Clark Gable and also surviving a day and a half in the ocean only to be rescued by a British submarine during the war.  Every one of his homes had a backyard full of killer tomatoes and fruit trees.  He loved to bake pies, fudge and biscotti for family and neighbors.  Kenneth had true grit and maintained his independence until his last days.  Our Father was our hero and he will be greatly missed by all.

A Visitation will be held on Saturday, Aug. 7, 2021 from 10:00 am to 10:30 am at Habing Family Funeral Home. Funeral Service will begin at 10:30 am at the funeral home, followed by burial at Gavilan Hills Memorial Park, Gilroy.