Published in the April 29, 2016 edition
MELROSE — Kenneth R. Figueira, 75, a longtime resident of Melrose, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 23.
Ken was born in Somerville on Jan. 27, 1941 and was one of three children of the late Antonio and Itia Louise (Nackel) Figueira. He was raised in Medford, where he graduated from high school and played baseball. Ken was a master electrician, working as a member of Local No. 103. He retired at age 62, after a long career working on projects in a variety of industries and locations across the country.
Ken was a character. He was quirky with some expected and some unexpected interests. Dressed up for Ken was Levi’s and a black T-shirt, but he frequented the Museum of Fine Arts and loved classical music. He enjoyed going to the ballet, but loved trips to Montreal for Formula 1 Racing with his son, Scott. He was equally comfortable talking about the arts, as he was working with electrical currents. He had a vast stamp collections and had a love for Asian food, people and culture. He liked going out for coffee and enjoyed having a chat at local coffee shops. Ken was humble, accepting and had a wide group of people he called friends.
As unpredictable as Ken might be, his care for family was unquestioned. He showed his love through unprompted generosity to family and friends and the happiness he got from spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was a caring father to Kim and Scott, and with the arrival of grandchildren came great joy. Living just downstairs, he had a special “Grandpa” relationship with grandson, Austin and granddaughter, Itia. He was their number one fan and they were the apple of his eye. Ken was happy whether at their sporting events, simply watching the History Channel or driving them to activities. His memory will live on in their hearts.
Ken was the devoted father of Kim Figueira and her wife Teresa O’Brien of Wakefield and Scott Figueira and his wife Renee of Melrose. He was the cherished grandfather of Austin and Itia Figueira of Melrose. He was the dear brother of Ruth Carpinella of Chelmsford and Eileen Morgan of Hampton, N.H. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Services are private. Donations in memory of Ken may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis TN 38148. For the online tribute, visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
