Owned Fiandaca’s Auto Repair
Published in the February 26, 2016 edition
MALDEN — Kenneth L. Fiandaca, of Malden, passed away unexpectedly at home on Monday, Feb. 15 at age 69.
Born in Melrose on May 7, 1946, Kenny was one of three children of the late Frank A. and Louise (D’Antilio) Fiandaca. He was raised in Melrose, where he graduated from Melrose High School with the Class of 1964. He received an honorable discharge for his service in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.
Kenny owned and operated Fiandaca’s Auto Repair on Faulkner’s Place in Melrose for 15 years. He was an expert, reliable mechanic who was known for his ability to diagnose any mechanical problem by the local car dealers. Most significantly to his customers, he was known for giving people fair and honest advice for repair work.
One of his main passions in life was drag racing. He was known on the circuit as the “Leapin Lizard” and raced all over New England. Kenny was a happy, up-beat guy with simple needs. He enjoyed life and loved his family. He enjoyed talking to people and was always willing to help. His neighbors became his friends and he looked forward to holidays and events with his family. He will be missed but always lovingly remembered by his family and close friends.
He was the cherished brother of Frank A. Fiandaca, former Melrose Police Chief, and his wife Jackie of Peabody; and Diane Bates of West Palm Beach, Fla. He was the loving nephew of Walter and Muriel D’Antilio of Wells, Maine; and the late Sue Dooley. He is also survived by many loving cousins, and nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to gather in honor of Kenny’s life at Wyoming Cemetery, 205 Sylvan St., Melrose for his Graveside Service on Friday, Feb. 26 at 12:30 p.m. Services will conclude with military honors by the U.S. Army. For directions, online tribute or to share a memory, visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
