Kenneth “Ken” LaVigne, age 76, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully at home on September 24, 2026, surrounded by his loving family, after a brief illness. He was born in Springfield to his late parents John LaVigne and Alma (Landry) LaVigne on April 14th, 1950, and remained a lifelong resident.

Ken graduated from Cathedral High School in 1968 and attended Westfield State University. He spent his career as a tractor trailer driver, working for various companies over the years, and eventually retiring from J.P. Noonan Transportation. Ken was an exceptionally skilled driver, even once having onlookers gather in amazement as he backed his 18 wheeler into a Boston alleyway in one shot.

In his younger years, Ken was a much-loved softball coach, leading the adult Orchard Variety team in many winning seasons. Ken might also be found on the golf course or simply playing pool with friends, and he excelled at both.

Throughout his life, he had a fascination with all aspects of aviation. He loved attending local air shows, often bringing his family to the hidden spots with the best views that his Dad had shown him when he was a child, and spent countless hours playing flight simulator.

A lifelong learner, Ken was a wealth of knowledge, always ready with statistics and facts on just about any subject. He was especially fascinated by things like 52 factorial - the fact that even if someone could rearrange a deck of cards every second for the entire existence of the universe, they still wouldn’t come close to finding a repeat.

And yet, as unlikely as it would be to ever repeat the same arrangement, it seems even less likely that there will ever be another person quite like him.

Ken is survived by his beloved wife of over 50 years, Diane (née Sorcinelli), his daughter Marissa (Jorge) of Chicago, his sons Gregory and Michael (Alisha) of Springfield, his sister Barbara Table of Monson, his sister Kathryn Petersen (Carl) of Belchertown, his grandchildren Leo, Hunter, and Aarya, as well as a niece and nephews. We are certain he was comforted to be met over the horizon by his loving Ma and Dad, his cherished black Lab (and famous sidekick), Jasper, and the family cat, Oliver, who adored him.

Visitation will be held at Ratell Funeral Home at 200 Main Street, Indian Orchard, MA, from 10:00 A.M to 12:00 P.M. on Wednesday, September 30th, with a funeral home service at noon. Burial will immediately follow at Hillcrest Park Cemetery at 895 Parker St, Springfield MA.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to please consider making a donation in Ken’s name to the Dakin Humane Society, PO Box 6307, Springfield, MA 01101.