Written by Kilhah St Fort

“We had nothing but love and joy for him.”

These are the words Avonell and Kenny Figueroa had to say, as they recount the life of their beloved son, the late Kenneth Figueroa. Even in their grief, their words are weighed with admiration, affection, and devotion. It leaves no doubt that Kenneth, in his short time, brought light into their lives and into the lives of those who knew him.

March 2022 saw the loss of Lehman College student, Kenneth Figueroa. Kenneth’s studies began at Bronx Community College where he received his associate degree before transferring to Lehman in Fall 2021, in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. Kenneth was more than just another student; he was a vibrant community member of the Lehman College Pathways to Student STEM Success (PTS3) program. For those who aren’t aware, PTS3 is a collaborative program where low-income senior and community college students are engaged in activities meant to break barriers to student progress and success in STEM fields. Kenneth dedicated himself to being heavily involved with Lehman PTS3 activities.

As video game lovers in arm, Professor Rafael Gonzalez Castillo and Kenneth shared a special connection. Castillo is one of the many people who had the pleasure to know Kenneth. Having originally met in 2018, when Castillo served as Campuses Director for PTS3, Kenneth immediately stood out.

“He was a tall, somewhat reserved but very gentle guy; the kind of guy that you’d read about in books,” said Castillo.

Although reserved, Kenneth never shied away from expressing himself. He often did what he could to help other PTS3 students. Despite the commute, Kenneth attended nearly every event and workshop held at both Lehman and BCC. In fact, Kenneth was the only BCC student who travelled to Lehman to take advantage of the tutoring and mentorship services. Yet what really shone out amidst Kenneth’s academic devotion, was his calming aura and presence.

Kenneth’s impact on Castillo was so prominent that it feels inadequate to label the following words as a “final send off.” It’s clear that in his death, Kenneth’s light never truly came to an end. 

 “I hope you are in a better place Kenneth,” said Castillo, “and I truly hope that your mother, your father, and your brother can bear the pain of losing you. You were a great man and I know you will forever hold a place in my heart.”

PTS3 was not the only place where Kenneth shone. Professor Tanja Haxhoviq, one of Kenneth’s former instructors, had much to say about Kenneth as well.

Haxhoviq had the pleasure of having Kenneth as her student for the Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 semester. It was clear to Haxhoviq that Kenneth was dedicated to his schoolwork and his family. There was no question that Kenneth also possessed a big heart. Without fail, Kenneth held the door open for her and the rest of the students in class.

“It is very sad to lose someone who was so pure and innocent,” Haxhoviq said. “He was truly a gentle soul and was taken from us far too soon.”

What is truly outstanding about Kenneth is that these facets of his personality – generosity, community, and a willingness to wear love like an armor – are all innate. This fact rings true with the way his parents, Avonell and Kenny Figueroa pour out their souls, remembering and cherishing all the ways in which Kenneth enriched life.

“Mother, not every child has the same opportunities that we have. If my friend wants this and can’t afford this, but I can, I’m going to give it to them.”

These are the words in which Kenneth once uttered to Avonell. Spoken as if personal scripture, Kenneth resolutely explained why his debt card always ran on empty. Back when he was in high school, Avonell and Kenny gifted Kenneth his first debt card, one of the first tastes of adulthood Kenneth experienced. The Figueroas have always known what a special person Kenneth was, but nothing could have prepared them for learning what Kenneth did with all his allowance. Each and every single time Kenneth got a snack from the school’s vending machines, he always brought back enough to share with the class. Without fail, Kenneth used what he had to make other people’s days shine a little brighter.

“He’s an old soul in a young body,” remarked Avonell. Kenny instantly followed up with “We won the lottery when it came to him.”

In Kenny’s words, Kenneth was a homebody. He preferred staying home and falling into the world of Minecraft over anything else. He was also a natural observer when it came to socializing -- one to sit back and get a feel of the room before acting. And yet, Kenneth stood out in his community. Every week Kenneth would help his elderly neighbor with her chores. He would bring down her laundry and once clean, he’d carry it back up for her. This also applied to any garbage or groceries she had. Kenneth was the embodiment of consideration.

“Our son was very humble,” explained Kenny. Kenneth was never concerned with the flashier aspects of life. As a natural learner who excelled in academics, Kenny constantly tried to reward Kenneth for all his accomplishments. And yet, every time he attempted to spoil him, Kenneth refused.

“I’m happy with what I have,” was Kenneth’s faithful refusal. Although gifts weren’t his thing, Kenneth never shied away from love, specifically his mother’s.

There’s a fond moment during Kenneth’s BCC graduation where the graduates were lined up taking pictures. Overcome with pride, Avonell joined in, even though the pictures were for graduates only. But Kenneth didn’t mind. Instead, he welcomed his mother’s presence and her kiss on his cheek.

There’s another moment from a PTS3-hosted potluck. Although parents were welcomed to the event, Avonell initially decided to sit back during the event. She wanted to give Kenneth the time and space to take in the moment – seeing as Kenneth would typically assess a social situation before jumping in. That wasn’t the case this time. Kenneth was so comfortable that he instantly got involved in conversations and made friends. Throughout the entire event, he refused to let Avonell leave his side, constantly including her in the conversations. They were partners in crime, her by his side was a given.

“Not one moment during the day[s] where we were together,” said Avonell, “did he not make us feel loved and appreciated and respected. The one word I feel most important about Kenneth is respect.”

This respect translated into everything Kenneth did. Including becoming a Mets fan, just to hold the peace in a household of a Yankees fan father and a Red Sox fan mother. For those who don’t know baseball, those two teams are, practically by law, mortal enemies. Though Kenneth, in a way that was uniquely his, always held the peace.

Now six months later, the loss of Kenneth is an eternal one. For those who knew Kenneth, may his memory live on in your minds and hearts. On behalf of the Meridian team, our condolences are with you. And for those who sadly didn’t have the chance to meet Kenneth, may you understand the weight of his being. And perhaps, try your best to carry on a fraction of his light by practicing kindness as a way of life.    

Rest in Power, Kenneth.