Kenneth Reno Sansone

Kenneth Reno Sansone, 67, beloved husband, father, brother, and friend died peacefully at home on Tuesday, December 22, 2020 surrounded by his family after a short but intense battle with ALS. Ken was born in Plainfield, NJ on Tuesday, February 19, 1953 to Reno and Theresa (LaManna) Sansone. He is survived by his wife, Rita; daughters, Robin (Charles) Kurth, Kelly Sansone, and Stacy Sansone; granddaughters, Sage and Mila; his sister, Janis Sansone; and many other family members and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and father-in-law Joseph Pennacchio.
Ken grew up in Watchung NJ where his earliest and fondest memories lie. He and his best friend Jack spent an idyllic childhood having many an 'outdoor adventure' in the woods behind his house, resulting in mischievous and fun stories that have entertained his family through the years. Ken spent his high school years at Valley Forge Military Academy in Pennsylvania where he excelled in football and wrestling. He then attended Fairleigh Dickinson University graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. He also attended Rutgers University. It was at Fairleigh Dickinson in 1971 that Ken met his life mate Rita. It was the beginning of their life together filled with discovery, adventure, travel, and family. Ken and Rita married and moved to Gallup, NM in 1977 where their love and appreciation of the great Southwest began.
Ken loved his wife and family deeply. Everything he did, he did to protect and nurture them. He was fiercely proud of his daughters and although a strict dad he guided his girls with unconditional love, sage counsel, and example. In a way that was very much his own, he made life fun and interesting. His love for the open road created many lifelong, wonder filled memories for the family as they explored the country together. He had such a hearty and infectious laugh you could not help but join in.
The family moved to Albuquerque in 1990. There Ken worked at Sandia National Labs as a Distinguished Member of the Technical Staff, an accomplishment he was very proud of.
Ken had many interests. He loved the outdoors, hunting, hiking, and biking, gardening, cars, auto crossing, and classic movies. 50s horror movies were his favorite, so much so, that he had planned a road trip to explore those very film sites. He was an accomplished scuba diver, earning his advanced open water, wreck dive and navigation diver certifications. His was a robust life, lived well, albeit much too short.
The family wishes to express a special thank you to Presbyterian Hospice and Palliative Homecare for their compassionate care and support through this very difficult time.
With respect for Ken's wishes, a service will not be held. Instead, remember him through your memories and with joy. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the ALS Research Association - als.org/donate or Presbyterian Hospice through the Presbyterian Healthcare Foundation.