Reverend Mr. Kenneth Melvin Baldwin, age 60, entered into eternal life January 29, 2015 after a courageous battle with ALS. He is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Prisilla (Ricciotti); children, Kenny (Maria) Baldwin, Lena (Wessam) Mekhael, Bob (Jenna) Baldwin, John (Marie) Baldwin, Bryan, Jeffrey, and Patrick Baldwin; six grandchildren, Kenny, Marianne, Therese Baldwin, Avala, Haven Mekhael, and Anthony Baldwin; mother, MaryAnn Baldwin; sisters, Linda (Ronald) DuShane, and Nancy (Peter) Turner; Prisilla’s parents, Elio and Margaret Ricciotti; brothers-in-law, Victor (Dorothy) Ricciotti, Gregory (Faye) Ricciotti, Eric Ricciotti; and sister-in-law Patricia Ricciotti (Gabriel Del Bianco); and numerous nieces and nephews. Ken was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth F Baldwin. He was ordained August 10, 2002 to the permanent diaconate and had served as Deacon at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church and Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Ken grew up on the family farm in Rockford, Michigan where his love of the outdoors and ethic of hard work began. For 30 years he committed himself tirelessly to ministry at the churches of St. James, St Francis Xavier and Immaculate Heart of Mary, where he was currently assigned. He dedicated himself to the mission in Juarez, Mexico for 25 years serving the poor. Selflessly, every Christmas he would journey almost 2,000 miles with volunteers to this impoverished area. As Deacon of Immaculate Heart of Mary, Ken developed a strong bond and deep love for the Burmese refugee community. Ken’s greatest passion and joy was his family. Events always included prayer and sports, having instilled the importance of prayer in each child from an early age as well as the joy of competition. The Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Tuesday, February 3, 11:00 am at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, 1935 Plymouth Ave. S.E., with Bishop David Walkowiak presiding. Visitation will be Sunday, February 1, 6-8:00 pm and Monday, February 2, 2-4:00 pm and 6-8:00 pm with the prayer vigil beginning at 6:00 pm, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish. We were privileged to have witnessed his life of humility and service on earth and will now benefit all the more from the works he will pray on our behalf from heaven. Memorial contributions may be made to Hands for Christ Ministry, PO Box 9126, El Paso, TX 79995.
