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The Kenneth B. Blumberg Memorial Fund at the Rhode Island Foundation embodies one man's journey to overcome significant obstacles and his vision to create opportunities for others facing similar adversity. This fund offers financial support for educational pursuits to individuals with physical challenges, as well as to non-physically challenged individuals aged 40 and above.  

Ken Blumberg, a proud lifelong Rhode Islander, was a kind, thoughtful, engaging, and determined man. Though he passed away just three weeks shy of his 76th birthday, Ken left behind an inspiring legacy.

"Ken was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis when he was ten years old," shared one of his close relatives. “Throughout his lifetime, he underwent 40 surgeries but never complained about his situation.” Ken was affable and very private, yet he had a gift for connecting with people from all walks of life and was genuinely interested in others' stories. He was witty, perceptive, and incredibly knowledgeable about his diverse passions — history (particularly military history), the British monarchy, law and order, current events, politics, literature, and cinema. Ken’s exceptional memory enabled him to effortlessly recall historical dates, personal stories, and movie scenes and dialogue, with remarkable detail.

Despite his health challenges, Ken's life became a testament to strength and resilience. He pursued his education with tenacity, graduating from Hope High School and Rhode Island Junior College, before receiving his desired journalism degree from Southern Illinois University, despite having to take a leave of absence for his first major surgery. Unable to find a journalism role post-graduation, Ken’s varied career path began and included roles as Pawtucket’s Bicentennial photographer, photography instructor, camp director, history teacher, and with work in the Rhode Island Attorney General's Criminal  Division — each transition representing a challenge overcome and a new opportunity embraced. 

"As someone who had to face these challenges himself, Ken understood how difficult it was to pivot professionally, and he had to do that many times," his cousin explained. "The inspiration for the fund was to assist others in surmounting barriers, particularly when retraining for new careers or making professional transitions later in life.”

Ken chose the Rhode Island Foundation to steward his philanthropic vision based on its respected position in the community. Through estate planning, he created a lasting gift to benefit others.  

“He wanted to help people who experience physical challenges because his health diagnosis defined his life and his outlook,” reflected his relatives. Ken's understanding of these challenges will now create pathways for others to achieve educational and professional growth.