Kenneth Cusenza

Kenneth Joseph Cusenza of Sacramento passed away on February 20, 2025. He was born on July 13, 1947 at Sutter Memorial Hospital in Sacramento, and his last months were at Oakmont Senior Living, just steps from the place of his birth.

During his 77 years, Ken shared life with a loving family, good friends, and his wife Ruth Craft. Ken loved the written word and was an avid reader and book collector. He loved classical music and played the trumpet. He always enjoyed discussing politics, and up until the very end he was hopeful that his country would turn away from its current dangerous path and create a just and inclusive environment for all who live here. 

Ken lived in the Bay Area for many years and traveled the world, but Sacramento was always his true home. He attended Caleb Greenwood Elementary, Kit Carson Junior High, Sacramento High, and Sacramento City College.

At the age of 20, Ken joined the US Army to serve in Vietnam. Although he was opposed to war, he felt it was his duty to serve his country. After coming home from Vietnam, Ken finished his studies at UC Berkley with a degree in mathematics. He worked for a number of years at brokerage firms, but found his true vocation as a programmer at Hewlett Packard. He traveled to many countries during his time with HP, including France, Germany, Japan, and Australia, where he trained co-workers. He loved helping others with solving problems. 

Upon retirement, Ken returned to Sacramento. There he met and married his wife Ruth. Both felt surprised and blessed to meet each other at this stage in their lives, and they enjoyed very happy years together. Their shared interest in California history and genealogy made for many interesting adventures. 

In addition to his Sicilian ancestry, Ken was proud to be a descendent of the Californios and traced his roots to the early 1800s in California. Ken loved to cook, and nothing pleased him more than to prepare a meal for others. He will always be remembered for the delicious pecan pies that he made for holiday meals. Ken loved his pets, and his Airedale Steffi and his cats Jamie and Faith held a special place in his heart. 

Ken is survived by his wife Ruth, his step-daughter Angela Craft, and family members Kathy Craft and Rick McGlynn; Colin, Georgia, and Sophie McGlynn; and Morgan, Dan, Leon, Louis, and Madeline Novick, all of the Sacramento area, as well as many other family members spread throughout the country. Ken was preceded in death by his parents Tony and Oakley Dunn Cusenza, his brother James Cusenza, and his brother Joseph Young. The family wishes to thank Ken’s caregivers, the staff at Oakmont, and especially Evelyn Boriack, for their kind care of a good man.

Services will be private. Any remembrance can be made to the Center for Sacramento History