Kenneth F. "Muffler" Laravela

Kenneth F. “Muffler" Laravela age 69, of Newark, DE, passed away peacefully on January 8, 2020 in the arms of his loving wife, Kelsey, and surrounded by his family.

Born in 1950 in Wilmington, DE, Ken is the son of Frances Poland and the late Alfonso Laravela. He graduated from Concord High School and pursued additional education at Lincoln Technical Institute in Philadelphia, PA where he was awarded a full scholarship. Ken went on to work for New Castle County for 38 and a half years as a Plant Operations Technician.

Ken was known for constantly tinkering with and fixing things. He was always fascinated with finding out how things work.  In his younger years, Ken was greatly interested in paintball and was part of the Delaware Delta Dogs.  He also enjoyed photography and playing pinball machines. When Ken wasn’t working for the county or tinkering around the house, he loved going to Delaware Park and Dover Downs as a “diversion”, as he would say. He especially loved the slot machines. He and Kelsey also had a love of going to Disney and the cruise ship Caribbean Princess, where they were married by the Captain at sea.

Kenneth is survived by his wife, Kelsey French Laravela, of 14 years. He is also survived by his mother, Frances Terranova Poland; his brother, Lawrence Laravela; his stepsons, Warren (Constance) Truman, Jr., Phillip Truman, Michael (Lauren) Truman; 9 grandchildren; and three cousins. He is also survived by his mother and father-in-law, Betty and Chuck Barnes, who loved him like a son.

Friends and family are invited to a viewing on Thursday, January 16, 2020 at Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Road, Wilmington, DE 19808 from 9-11am. A funeral service will be held at the same location beginning at 11am. Interment will follow at All Saints Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Kenneth’s name may be made to Season’s Hospice & Palliative Care, 220 Continental Dr., Suite 407, Newark, DE 19713.

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