Resnick, Kenneth H.

Kenneth H. Resnick

June 27, 1949 – July 13, 2026

 

ROANOKE, VA. – Kenneth H. Resnick, 77, of Roanoke, Virginia, where he was a proud resident for 46 years, passed away Monday, July 13, 2026.

Born June 27, 1949, in Providence, Kenneth “Kenny” (also affectionately known as “Ken” and “Redneck”) was the son of the late Earl J. and Gilda J. Resnick. He was a devoted son, brother, husband, father and grandfather.

Kenny was raised in a Conservative Jewish home and celebrated his Bar Mitzvah at the age of 13. At just 18 years old, he bravely enlisted in the United States Marine Corps during the height of the Vietnam War. He served with honor during the Battle of Khe Sanh and the Tet Offensive, earning the Vietnamese Service Medal with two stars, the Presidential Unit Citation and the Purple Heart with one star. Following his military service, he earned his bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of Northern Colorado.

Although he was a decorated Marine, Kenny’s greatest pride was marrying the love of his life, the late Claudia C. Resnick. Together, they shared more than 50 years of marriage, building a life centered on love, family and unwavering devotion to one another. Their greatest joy was raising their three children: Victoria S. Volpe, Ana G. Resnick and Eddie M. Resnick. Together, they built a life in Roanoke, where Kenny would remain for more than four decades.

Kenny loved coaching his children’s recreational baseball and softball teams and teaching them military traditions by waking them to reveille, marching in cadence and instilling a deep sense of patriotism. He cherished summers spent with family, cooking, entertaining friends and hosting gatherings. Known for his unmistakable booming laugh and larger-than-life personality, Kenny was always the life of the party and faithfully hosted a weekly guys’ night with his closest friends.

He was an active member of Temple Emanuel, served with the local Marine Corps Honor Guard and generously supported numerous charitable organizations within the Roanoke community he called home for 46 years.

A lifelong entrepreneur, Kenny was self-employed and became well known throughout Virginia’s gun show community. A dedicated firearms enthusiast, he later opened a firearm store in Boones Mill. Even after retiring, he refused to slow down, continuing to attend gun shows and enjoying monthly breakfasts with fellow Marines.

In retirement, Kenny treasured time spent with his family, especially his beloved granddaughter, Adrianna C. Volpe, and with the many friends he made throughout his life. He inspired fierce loyalty, unwavering patriotism and an enduring sense of friendship in all who knew him.

Kenny was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Claudia C. Resnick, and his parents, Earl J. Resnick and Gilda J. Resnick.

He is survived by his children, Victoria Volpe (Glenn), Ana Resnick and Eddie Resnick; his cherished granddaughter, Adrianna C. Volpe; his sisters, Deb Cicero (Fred), Sharon Gilstein (Andy) and Frima Palumbo (Peter); and his nieces, Amy Gilstein and Amanda Young (Jeff).