Kenneth Francis Warmbier
Kenneth Warmbier passed away peacefully at his Sarasota home on July 5, 2023. He was born in Tolono Illinois to Helen and Frank Warmbier on December 10, 1934, and grew up as the eldest of six children. He married Patricia Curran in 1953 and quickly had six children of their own, two of whom preceded him in death (Sheryl Anne in 1955 and Carol Anne in 2003), as did Pat in 2013.
He moved his family from Illinois to Florida in the early 60’s, living first in St Petersburg where he was part of the Eckerd Drugs management team and then in Sarasota where he continued his career with Eckerd’s until he retired. When his kids were young, he enjoyed spending time with them at the beach and going out for ice cream every Sunday – a treat he continued to love until his final days.
Throughout his life, he was an avid photographer, even developing photos in his home-based darkroom. In the 1970’s he added four stepchildren to his family when he married Sandra McCarthy, who preceded him in death in 2001. He and Sandy enjoyed traveling when they had the opportunity, visiting family in Illinois and the New England area as often as possible. Ken spent time traveling later in life with his sweetheart, Diana Bonuccelli, visiting family out of state and going on cruises. A highlight was a cruise with the entire family to celebrate his 80th!
Survivors include his wife, Diana Bonuccelli, his two sisters, Phyllis McGovern Duffy, and Rita Soff, his children, Karen (Jay), Tom (Laurie), Dan (Diane) and Suzi (Mike), his stepchildren, Wayne, Terrie, Tim and Susan, and Diana’s children Tracie (Ken) and Derek, 13 Grandchildren/Step Grandchildren, 22 Great-grandchildren/Step Great-grandchildren, and one Great-great grandson.
We will all cherish the memories of the time that we spent with him, and fondly remember the special relationships we shared.
In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in memory of Ken Warmbier to the Dementia Society of America, or to Tidewell Foundation.
