Kenneth J. Macksoud
Date of Passing:
Kenneth Joseph Macksoud, 81, of Barrington, RI finished his work on this Earth on December 2, 2020. A devoted husband, an incredible father, a loving brother and uncle, a caring and generous friend and the best grandfather that any child could ever ask for. Ken was a devout Catholic and a dedicated member of Saint Brendan Parish, where he attended mass regularly and prayed for those he cared for. He served our country in the U.S. Army, achieved the status of captain during the Vietnam War and met the love of his life while stationed in Virginia. Ken attended Providence College and then Boston University School of Law. He helped thousands of Rhode Islanders through legal issues over his more than five decades of practicing law in Providence and was admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court in 1980.
Ken’s reputation for his unmatched wit, sense of humor, and boundless energy was surpassed only by his sense of style and unparalleled generosity. While Ken graciously served so many clients in greatest need who could not afford to hire a lawyer, his truest devotion was to his family. Ken set the bar as a husband and a father. His forever dance partner is Carolyn, and the life from his love and his greatest pride is his daughter Kara. Ken loved to travel with his family and to host Thanksgiving dinner. He always kept penny candy handy, enjoyed a good hot dog and days spent at Baker’s Beach. Ken’s jokes, pure enjoyment of all things Disney, his penchant for imitating Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck, and his knack for sending cards pretending to be Disney characters or the family dog brought so much joy to his grandchildren, as did the many trips to Dunkin Donuts for Munchkins.
Ken’s lasting legacy includes his wife of more than 50 years Carolyn Macksoud; his daughter Kara Macksoud Shenton, her husband Gregory, and Ken’s two grandchildren Logan Shenton and McKinley Shenton of Smyrna, GA; his sister Donna Langton and her husband Chris of Smithfield, RI; his sister Jackie Wesolowski and her husband Butch of Lincoln, RI; travel partners and his sister-in-law Betty Germain of Tampa, FL and her husband Bernie; the numerous nieces and nephews that Ken loved doting on; his cousins; the Rhode Island Bar community; his office sidekick Rachel; and his golfing buddies at Kirkbrae Country Club, including Dr. Jerry Marsocci, who watched over Ken daily during his fight. Ken will be met at the Rainbow Bridge by his beloved shih tzu Cosmo and welcomed into Heaven by his parents Yvonne Beauregard Macksoud and Charles Beshara Macksoud, his brother and best friend Carl Macksoud, and Carl’s wife Winnie.
The adage is that people will often times forget what you say, but they will always remember how you made them feel. Kenneth Joseph Macksoud made those who he met, knew, and served feel special, important, optimistic, and most of all happy and loved. The world, and Rhode Island in particular, is a better place because of the 81 years that Ken spent in it. We pray for all those who loved Ken and depended on Ken in their most trying times.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday December 9, 2020 in St. Brendan Church, Turner Avenue, Riverside at 10 a.m. A private burial with Military Honors will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery. The Mass of Christian Burial will be live streamed via the St. Brendan’s Parish website at stbren.com and please click on the link on the right hand side of the website for the stream.
Calling hours and flowers are respectfully omitted. Contributions in Kenneth’s memory to St. Brendan Parish, 60 Turner Avenue, Riverside, RI, 02915 would be deeply appreciated.
Dear Mrs Macksoud, I’m extremely sorry for the loss of Kenny, I had the pleasure to have known him through his practice. We became good friends Over the years. I could just call with a question about anything pertaining legal issues or just to talk.I must say he always picked up the phone for me, or he called me right back!! He was the best. He’ll be missed by me and all family. He was always for my family. I’ll always remember the first time I met he was driving a volkswagen. I said to myself he can’t be a lawyer. But soon I found out his emphasis was not material items. It was Family first, and friends, aquantices. Just anyone he could help!! Stand Down Kenny, it’s time to rest. Your friend Tony REED.. ??
Having known Ken for many years during our association with St Brendan Church, we found him to be one of the most caring, loving, devoted and compassionate individuals that one would care to meet. His devotion to family and church was something you immediately sensed upon meeting him. Beyond that, his professionalism and commitment to his clients gave everyone he served the confidence that comforted them in difficult situations.
We are all better for having known Ken and his contributions will long be remembered.
Our prayers and condolences to his family and friends.
My condolences to the kenneth Macsoud family known ken for more then 30 years always gave me advice always made jokes always use to tell me how much loves his daughter and grandkids and his wife he was such a good man words can’t explain how iam going to miss him as my attorney i feel so lost all the advice ken gave me and to my family rip ???? you will be missed…
On behalf of myself and my mother-in-law, attorney Deborah Kennedy, our deepest condolences to the Macksoud family for this astounding loss. We enjoyed the times we got to work together on many cases. The courts will definitely be a little dimmer. Rest easy sir.
To the Macksoud Famiy, we extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to all of you. May Kenneth rest in eternal peace and God bless you and grant you peace.
My sincere condolences to the whole Macsoud family.
Dear Kara and Carolyn,
It is so very difficult to lose someone who was so loved. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Rhode Islander lost one of the best lawyers,
His there when you need him, Helpful and Generous.
He will be mess. RIP
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family now.
On behalf of Remond Charles Family we send our deepest Condolences to Mr. Macksoud family. We lost the best and irreplaceable lawyer we ever known ! We love you and will greatly be missed.
I had many Family court cases with Ken and I found him to be prepared to discuss all aspects of the case and deeply concerned about the issues and his clients. The RI Bar and this community has lost a treasure and a fine gentleman. I will miss his “hello and how are you”? What can we do for our clients today? He through his actions over many years made us all better persons for it. Rest in Peace. I appreciated knowing you all these years.
Deepest sympathies to Ken’s family and all of us who shall carry on his memory, and model his example of compassionate professionalism. I am glad that I had the experience to work with him in the courts.
My sincere condolences to all the family in your great loss. My
thoughts and prayers continue to be with you.
We are so sorry for your loss.
fond memories of a good and devout man…prayers…rest in peace
Ken and I passed the Bar together and although we may have had professional disagreements, they were never personal. As others have commented, he was really a class act, a true gentleman. RIP Ken. Allen Kirshenbaum
Condolences from a Providence College classmate.
Ken was a loyal family friend who I’ve had the privilege of knowing my entire life.He always went out of his way to help people in need. My condolences to his family. May his memory be eternal
Even as an opposing counsel, Ken was a “Class Act,” and a True Professional! He was a Snappy Dresser, and was ALWAYS civil and courteous. It was an honor and pleasure to know him. Heaven’s gain is a loss to the Rhode Island Bar. Well done, good and faithful Servant!
We are so sorry for your loss. We have known Ken over 4 decades thru our years in Family Court. Ken was a kind soul. God Bless him and his family. Ray and Mary Tudino
To the Macksoud Family,
I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Macksoud 40 years ago when I worked for Attorney Albert Rossi at the Turks Head Building. Although Al has since passed, I still work in the legal profession in downtown Providence and would frequently run into Mr. Macksoud either at Cafe LaFrance in the morning before work as we both got our cup of coffee before heading into the office or just out a lunch walking. He was always kind and friendly. I will always remember him as a true gentlemen and one of the best dress attorneys in the City. May he Rest In Peace.
Dear Carolyn and family, I am so deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my dear cousin Kenny. I have many fond memories of him piling us kids in his car taking us all to the beach. Although I haven’t seen him in a while he was always in my heart.
RIP Mr Macksoud as I always call you to say thank you for what you have done for the people in our community. Now, you have called by our Father. I certainly know you are being rewarded for all . You will be missed until we meet again. My deepest condolences to the family.
To Carolyn and the Macksoud family: Ken generously provided Attorney John MacDonald and me office space more than twenty years ago when we started our law practice. When we moved into our Turks Head law office suite, we invited Ken to come with us because of Ken’s friendliness, his professionalism, and enthusiasm for the practice of law. There were many weekend mornings when I came into the office early, expecting to be alone, but instead I was surprised to be greeted with a friendly smilie and a “how ya doing, kid!” Ken was an inspiration to his clients and to his fellow lawyers. I write this to you from Ken’s office of twenty years; every time I enter it, I will be reminded of the kind, good-natured attitude Ken brought with him to work every day. I miss you.
Condolences to Ken’s wife, daughter and extended family. We had many cases together and discussed family, golf, and the practice of law often. A good man and true professional.
Dear Carolyn and family: Ken was truly a “class act”. I was fortunate enough to share an office suite with him for many years. As a newer attorney, I looked up to him as a mentor. He provided an example to all in the legal community by presenting himself with integrity, honesty, and empathy. I am deeply saddened by his loss. My sincerest condolences.
Carolyn, Kara, and family,
Thank you for sharing this beautifully written obituary about his life. I wish I could hop on the next flight to Rhode Island to support you (Kara) and your mom and pay my respects to a man who gave us all so much.
Love your friend,
Meredith
My deepest sympathy to Carolyn, Kara, Greg and the Macksoud family. It was a privilege to share office space with Ken for nearly two decades and get to know his wonderful family. There was no more dedicated attorney than Ken and one worked harder for their clients. The mere mention of Kara and the grandchildren always brought a smile to his face. I will miss his professionalism, his example and his friendship.
My deepest condolences to the entire MacKsoud family. He was a gentleman’s gentleman who I have known for my years. He actually aggressively represented me in a civil matter a few years ago. But I will remember Ken for his stylish taste in clothes, which we shared with our good friend and tailor, Victor. I will miss your charming smile and good manners. Unfortunately, there aren’t many of us left. May his extended family have solace knowing he was loved and well respected by many. Rest In Peace Ken.
So saddened to hear this, as I can tell that this man loved his family. I know Greg through Leadership Cobb, and through him know legacy Kara’s dad passes on yo the family. My prayers go to you all.
I am so, so sorry, Kara, Greg, and family. Your extended Leadership Cobb family is thinking about you. Reading about Ken made me feel like I knew him – and through Kara, the family, and the kids, I know Ken’s legacy lives on.
Love you guys.
Dear Carolyn, Kara, and family,
I am deeply saddened by the loss of Mr. Macksoud. I had the great pleasure of caddying for him and his close circle of friends many times in my younger days. This led to a life-long friendship for which I am grateful. His distinguished style and his mischievous sense of humor will be forever missed. May he rest peacefully.
God Bless.
Mr. Macksoud was not just a lawyer he was a very kind man who listened to his client’s complaints. Like other lawyers, he never asked for money before looking into your case. He will be truly missed. My condolences to his family. RIP SIR.
Dear Carolyn and Kara,
What a wonderful man Ken was. He had a beautiful heart. Holding you in prayer in your loss
Dear Carolyn and Kara
Both Diane and I are both terribly shocked and saddened to learn of Kens’ passing. We are still trying to get over the tragic news. Ken was so well thought of by everyone who knew him and he will be sorely missed. You have our sincere and heartfelt sympathy. Stay strong. He has probably already joined in to the Macksoud weekly card game with uncle Ted telling his jokes.
I worked for Mr Macksoud for many years as his Constable
He was always confident in my work and taught me a lot about Family Court and the clients that he represented,
I will miss him dearly.
We also had a lot in common, both were Army veterans and loved the game of golf and had grandkids that were always being spoken about.
God bless you Ken
I will miss you
My condonlence go to you and your family he was a great person and soul even with the world on his shoulders he kept fighting to make sure there was justice and peace preserved in the Communities and and his family and clients of his firm he will be forever missed and loved thanks for his Service
Kenneth wasnt just my lawyer he was my friend and he was family to me and my relatives. My dad and I and rest of family known him for over 43yrs he was a kind generous man who always cared for others he always helped.me out and.did so much for.me. And to his family I am.so sorry for your loss he was a great man and he is.looking down on us smiling from heaven. R.I.P. my friend ?
My sincere condolences to the whole macsoud family ken was the best my protector (tiger) i will never forget you uncle Kenny
Please accept my condolences for the loss of your beloved Ken. He was an impressive man. May he rest in peace.
Dear Carolyn and family , please accept our deepest sympathy . Ken’s passing is going to leave a giant hole in all of our hearts which will never be filled . He was my friend, golf partner, travel companion , legal adviser and confidant. Our Wednesday and Friday golf matches will never be the same without “The Laser”. He was a man of great integrity and purpose that bonded the friendships he had with us. He made us all better friends because he showed us how . I will miss him and hope one day we will all be on the first tee together again. RIP.
Ken was a truly generous soul who cared deeply for the marginalized communities in Rhode Island, never counting the costs to himself he selflessly served the Haitian, Nigerian and Arabic people of Rhode Island. It’s been my pleasure to serve as his right hand gal and paralegal for the past four years. I will miss him dearly. My deepest condolences to his entire family.
We are praying for your all and we are so sorry for your loss .
The Bartone Family