Kenneth J. Marsala Sr., Major USAF Retired, 73, of Waldorf, Maryland died peacefully in his sleep August 20 at MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Stephanie, his two sons, Ken and Mike, and his four grandchildren, Claire, Audrey, Mason and Sophia.

Ken was born on December 4, 1942 in Brooklyn, NY. He was an all-star basketball player for the Amityville High School Wildcats, was awarded a full basketball scholarship to Iona College in New Rochelle, NY, where he obtained his B.A. degree in Economics. During his 20 year career in the USAF, he obtained his Masters degree, was an aircraft maintenance officer, recruiting officer and later the Wing Headquarters Squadron Commander at Bolling Air Force Base, where he retired as a Major.

In retirement, was the Deputy Director for Charles County Economic Development Commission, Director of Development for the Prince Georges County Economic Development Corporation, Business and Industry Coordinator for Charles County Community College, Religious teacher for St. Peters Catholic School and was also a real estate agent with Baldus Real Estate for many years.

He was a Big Brother, founded a basketball program at St. Peters School, was the 2004 Catholic School Teacher of the Year and 2005 Knight of the Year for the Knights of Columbus, started the local chapter for the Columbian Squires (youth organization for the Knights of Columbus) and just loved interacting with people and helping kids.

He survived Hairycell Leukemia but succumbed to a muscle debilitating, yet fairly unknown, disease called Inclusion Body Myositis. He and his family are very grateful to the friends and healthcare providers who assisted him in his later years.

Friends received on Tuesday and Wednesday, August 30, 2016 and August 31, 2016 from 2-4PM and 6-8PM with Wake Service on August 31 at 7PM at Raymond Funeral Chapel, 5635 Washington Avenue, La Plata, Maryland 20646. Interment at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery with full Air Force Honors.