Kenneth Donald Laschinsky

April 8, 1937- April 27, 2024  Age 87

Ken is survived by his two children, Karen and Mark Laschinsky (Kathy),  his two grandchildren Kira Laschinsky Tribull (Joe), Paul Dodgen, and his beloved sister, Lola Harrison (Bernie) of Washington, PA, as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was best known as "Ken" to his Baltimore friends and family. Growing up in Nemacolin, PA, his family and their kids called him "Kenny" or "Uncle Kenny."  He is predeceased by his parents, Charles C. Laschinsky and Elizabeth M. (Dean) Laschinsky and 9 of his 10 brothers and sisters, Margaret, Mary, Edith, Lilly, Betty, Ralph, Clyde, Russell, and John.

Ken's life was a testament to his commitment to education, career, and family. After graduating from Carmichaels High School, he embarked on a journey of learning, becoming the first member of his family to earn a college degree. He began at the University of Arizona then graduated from the University of Maryland University College. Additionally, Ken served in the Army from 1962 to 1964.

He married Jeannette Miller of Cleveland, Ohio and the couple welcomed son Mark in 1964 and daughter Karen in 1965.  While in college, he began working for the C&O Railroad/Chessie Systems and was transferred to Baltimore, MD in 1966. Ken worked for C&O/CSX until his retirement in 1994. Through his time at the railroad, he met his lifelong and closest friends, Nelwyn (Bud) Diddle; John and Sandy Runyeon; Larry and Joan Romanini; and Elaine Perkins.  Ken's magnetic personality endeared him to countless others including cherished friends,  Evelyn Johnston and Doris Raynor.  Even in his final moments, Ken's affability never waned, as evidenced by the connections he continued to make, even in his last hours in the ICU at Greater Baltimore Medical Center/GBMC.  

Ken had an uncanny magnetism with people, including folks who were much younger.  He developed lasting friendships with Marc and Lauren from Red Robin restaurant during a multi-year stretch where he dined there nearly every day.  They continued to visit him and keep in touch, even when he could no longer drive to go see them.   Oddly, despite his affinity for friends and family,  Ken was self professed as being happiest alone in his home.  However,  he was never really ever alone after he got his first dog.  Dog number 1 was Fritzy,  then Bear, then Teddy, then finally Alfie, and Grand-dog,  Spike.    He and  Bud Diddle loved dogs almost more than they did people.  So,  when  Bud first met Spike,  he said, "she isn't a Spike,   she's Precious."  From that point on,  Bud and Ken always loved spending time with "Precious."

Ken and his family are profoundly grateful to his College Manor Assisted Living home,  as well as his "in home" caregivers, Kevin, Meagan, Femi, Karen and John Falconer, Dee, Tisha, Leslie, Alpha, and more. 

Ken's journey was not finished when his life ended.  He graciously donated his body to medical research in the hope of contributing to the education of future physicians at the UMD Medical School in Baltimore, MD. 

In accordance with Ken's wishes, a Celebration of Life will be held in lieu of funeral services. Details regarding the time and location will be announced soon. Friends and family are invited to attend and share in honoring his legacy.

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