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Kevin Lewis Ghirardo
08/13/1959 — 06/06/2025
From Richland, WA | Born in Richland, WA
Rosary
Mass
Kevin Lewis Ghirardo
Kevin Lewis Ghirardo, age 65, of Richland, Washington, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on June 6, 2025.
A lifelong Richland resident and devoted member of Christ the King Catholic Church, Kevin was born on August 13, 1959, to Barlow and Betty Ghirardo as the youngest of five children. From his earliest years, Kevin cultivated strong friendships and a deep sense of community. He could often be found at the Spudnut Shop, a local family institution that became his second home and ultimately the place where he met the love of his life, Helen Hoover.
Kevin and Helen married and built a joyful life together raising six children: Anna (Tyler), Dominick, Joseph (Elise), Isabella, Gianina, and Maria. He was a proud grandfather to Michael, Isaac, and Theodore.
Kevin’s life was one of constant service. He dedicated decades to coaching, fundraising, and volunteering at Christ the King Catholic School and Tri-Cities Prep High School. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, a regular presence at the local food bank during and after his 30+ year career at Battelle, and more recently, a volunteer on the Cuddler Crew in the NICU at Kadlec. In retirement, Kevin made it a priority to attend daily Mass, a practice that reflected his deep faith.
Kevin’s life was a testament to joy, which he shared freely with everyone around him. His easygoing nature, bright smile, and infectious laugh could light up any room. He had a gift for seeing the best in people and welcoming all with kindness. Kevin was an avid sports fan, but more than anything he cherished his family. He was happiest when everyone was together, and he took a genuine interest in each of his children’s lives, always making an effort to understand what mattered to them so he could share in it. His presence was steady, generous, and full of love.
Kevin is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 40 years, six children, three grandchildren, sisters, a loving extended family, and countless friends.
Kevin often reminded his family to “take care of each other.” His life was a living example of those words. May perpetual light shine upon him. His presence in this world will be deeply missed.
A Rosary will be held at Christ the King Church Thursday, June 26 at 6 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, June 27 at 11 am at Christ the King. There will be a reception following Mass at Anthology Event Center. All are welcome to attend.
Memorial donations may be made in Kevin’s name to Tri-Cities Prep High School, Christ the King Catholic School, or the Richland Food Bank. In honor of Kevin, the family encourages blood or plasma donations as you are able.
Dear family,
I am so sorry to hear of Kevin’s passing.
My heartfelt prayers are with all of you in this time of grief and disbelief.
I was very sad to hear of Kevin’s passing. Kevin was in high school when my brother and I were grade school Bomber fans. Kevin would spot us in the crowd in the packed gym and let us sit with him in the student section. Those that know Bomber basketball understand how big a deal that was – especially to us!
I loved going to the Spudnut Shop – he would be making my favorite (cinnamon roll) behind the glass when you first walk in – and would make sure I got a hot one!! Always had time to greet everyone coming through the door with a smile.
He made a point of going to some of my high school basketball games at Hanford – I knew when he was in the stands and always wanted to impress him.
He was a wonderful person, from a legendary Richland family. Always a smile and genuinely cared about everyone. May he rest in peace.
Was saddened to hear of Kevin’s passing. We always enjoyed Kevin, the donuts and especially sausage fest. We were parishoners at Christ the King from 1983 until we moved in 1999. May God bless the family and eternal rest grant unto Kevin O Lord.
I was so sorry to hear about the loss of Kevin. I met Kevin back in 1971 in 6th grade at Christ the King Catholic School. I was new to the Tri-Cities and Kevin was very kind and welcoming to me. He was fun to have in classes and to do things with after school. We went to Chief Jo and Richland High School as well. I will always remember Kevin as being one of the good guys. Compassionate, considerate, helpful and a genuinely great person to be around. My condolences to the Ghirardo Family. May you find peace and comfort in all the memories you share. RIP Kevin!
We are terribly saddened by Kevin’s passing, His life was so well lived.
Kevin was more than a friend—he was a brother in every sense of the word. From the moment we met in 9th grade, his infectious laugh and endless energy kept everyone around him busy. We shared countless adventures, from late-night study sessions (ha ha) to epic road trips (Moscow, Idaho), and through it all, Kevin’s loyalty and kind heart shone through. As college roommates for three plus years, we built memories I’ll carry forever—debating over sports, deciding between studying vs fun, and dreaming about the future. His wit, compassion, and unwavering support made him a true friend who shaped my life in ways I can’t fully express. Kevin, you’ll always be with me. Rest in peace, my friend.
So sorry for your loss Helen and family. Kevin was a dear friend and it is hard do believe he is gone. We met at Chief Joe Jr High when the CK students joined us for 9th grade and became good friends. I’ll never forget our trips to the Spudnut Shop when Kevin would come back to our table with a large plate of Spudnuts! No matter when we got together we were always having fun, being crazy and getting in trouble.
He is and will be missed and will be remembered for his love of those around him.
We pray for peace to Helen and the Ghirardo family.
I am so sorry for the loss of Kevin. I had the honor of knowing Kevin as a parent in my classroom at CK. He accompanied his kids to our annual Camp Orkila trip and I was able to witness the joy being a Dad gave him. I also had the honor of working with him on the Tri-cities Prep board of Directors. I was often amazed at his dedication to Catholic schools. Both Christ the King and Tri-Cities Prep are so very lucky to have had Kevin as their advocate. His laugh brightened every room. He is greatly missed.
Kevin was a genuinely good human being. Whether it be as parishioners and parents
at Christ the King Church and school, colleagues at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, or customers at the Spudnut Shop, every encounter I had with Kevin left me with a positive feeling. He was truly something special. God bless Helen and their children.
May the memory of Kevin and his loving kindness be a blessing, as well as an example. My heartfelt condolences to the Ghirado family and many others who love him.
Kevin was one of my sweetest students. His family has an enriching history for Richland.
Love those Spudnuts!
His mother was on a bus tour of Europe that my Dad (Jim McLaughlin) and I were on many years ago, after my Mom had died. What a wonderful family. But I am so sorry to have lost Kevin too soon.
I am so sorry to hear the news of Kevin’s passing. I met him when I was s punk kid and had had recently moved up here from SoCal. Spent many, many days B.S.ing with him and Val at the Spudnut Shop. Worked with him for many years in Contracts at PNNL. He was a genuinely good guy. Prayers for peace and comfort to the Ghirardo family.
Sorry for your loss! Gods grace be with you and your family.
Kevin was just a really good friend to everyone he interacted with. I’ve known him for a long time as a good neighbor and good dad. He’ll be missed.
Kevin, I enjoyed knowing you and your family. You guys were special to my family. You will be deeply missed.
Saw Kevin, maybe a month ago when I took my grandsons, Knox, and Ben , for our Saturday morning Spudies. There at the back table Sat Kevin, reading the sports page, and enjoying his own spudie and coffee. He greeted us with that infectious smile, and. heartfelt welcome, “hello friends…”Kevin was one of the all-time Good Guys; he will be missed. Blessings to the family…
What a gift to Christ the King and Tri=Cities Prep for so many years. Always a joy to see and interact with. He will be missed.
We remember Kevin’s family, Helen and their family with such wonderful memories. Have known Kevin from when he was little and was so privileged to have introduced Helen to Kevin after her student teaching in my classroom. So many memories we all have and so blessed to have him as our friend. Blessings to Helen and all his family, you are in our thoughts and prayers! Adele and Joel Sorensen
Great family friends. My dad, Mott, worked w Barlow at the tiny spudnut shop at the uptown. I have memories going to a state basketball tournament in Spokane and running around w my pal, Kevin.
My thoughts and prayers are w the family. Kevin will be greatly missed!
Kevin was one of the kindest and most welcoming people I knew when we attended Richland High school (Col Hugh) together. He was friendly to everyone, genuinely compassionate and open. While I moved from the Tri-Cities after college and have no seen him in recent years, it is a beautiful testament to who Kevin was that all the folks who knew him still describe him in the words that described him then — kind, generous, considerate, loving. I feel honored to have known him and send his family my sympathy at his passing. I know his goodness will always be with you.
We were deeply saddened to hear of Kevin’s passing. I always appreciated his friendliness and positivity, and of course hearing him tell the latest news about his growing family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Ghirardo family.
I met Kevin our sophomore year in HS. He got me a job at the Spudnut Shop Saturday mornings. That was quite the experience. Dennis met home through baseball. Kevin was one of the “good ones”. He was a true friend to me and many. Always had a smile and a positivity about him that shone in his smile, caring personality and love for all people, especially his family who he spoke of with so much pride and passion. He will be missed but always remembered.
Kevin was a wonderful man and I had just recently spoken to him as Kevin was in the stands of Sunnyside Christian High school where I now teach high school Science. I was watching our girls play TriCity Prep and Kevin was watching his daughter play basketball.
I pitched with Kevin on our Columbia Little Leauge Major League team. Kevin was a skilled pitcher and a wonderful fellow. After graduating together at Richland HS Class of 78, I saw Kevin often working at the Spudnut shop! Later Kevin worked at PNNL where I worked for 36 years in PNNL Finance and I worked as a Staff Scientist in a Research Department prior to retirement and my teaching at Sunnyside Christian high school.
Kevin was a wonderful man and father, my condolences!
Steve Miller Class of 1978
Kevin and all the Ghirardos have been friends with the Davis family for over 60 years. Kevin always had a smile to share and a story to tell. He was a good friend and will be missed by all.
Rest easy, my friend.
Mike Davis
Guestbook for
Kevin Lewis Ghirardo