Birmingham Honors Kenneth H. Lavelle’s Legacy

Birmingham, Alabama, October 18, 2025

News Summary

Birmingham, Alabama prepares to honor Kenneth H. Lavelle, who recently passed away at age 85. Known for his dedication to faith, family, and community service, Kenneth left behind a legacy of love and commitment. A Funeral Mass will take place at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, with burial to follow. Kenneth’s impact reached far beyond his professional life, as he was deeply engaged in his community and cherished by his family.

Birmingham, Alabama is preparing to honor the life of Kenneth H. Lavelle, who passed away recently and is remembered for his commitment to faith, family, and community service. He was born on July 7, 1940, in New Orleans, Louisiana, and lived a life defined by kindness, integrity, and quiet strength.

Kenneth was married to Emily H. Lavelle for 61 years, a relationship characterized by deep respect and unwavering support. He is survived by three children: Paul K. Lavelle (Jennifer), John C. Lavelle (Patricia), and Aileen E. Lavelle Buford (Marshall), as well as a brother, Michael Warren Lavelle (Betty). Kenneth was also a grandfather to Connor J. Lavelle, Anna Victoria Lavelle, Emily Elizabeth Lavelle (“Ellie”), Thomas A. Buford, Eric W. Buford, and Nathan T. Buford. He was preceded in death by his wife, parents (Warren P. Lavelle & Natalie F. Lavelle), and granddaughter Rachel Grace Buford.

Education and Military Service

Growing up in New Orleans and Lafitte, Louisiana, Kenneth graduated from Louisiana State University and later obtained a graduate degree from Tulane University in New Orleans. He served in the United States Army as a First Lieutenant, stationed at Fort Polk, Louisiana, from 1961 to 1963. Following his military service, he began his professional career at General Motors, focusing on marketing and communications.

Professional Career

Kenneth worked with South Central Bell in New Orleans and later transitioned to AT&T in New Jersey. He eventually settled in Birmingham, Alabama, where he joined BellSouth. Throughout his career, Kenneth was recognized for his leadership, creativity, integrity, and mentorship. After retiring from the phone company, he embraced a new role as a bread baker at a local family-owned bakery in Mountain Brook.

Family and Community Engagement

As the head of his family, Kenneth was known for his warmth, wisdom, and joyful spirit. He enjoyed baking homemade birthday cakes and crafting holiday cards, displaying his creativity. He also cherished family gatherings, ensuring that laughter was a staple at these events. Kenneth had a deep affection for New Orleans cuisine, particularly beignets and muffulettas, and celebrated the culture surrounding Mardi Gras.

His Catholic faith was a guiding force in his life, providing him strength and purpose. Kenneth actively contributed to his parish community as a Eucharistic Minister and Reader at Mass, being involved in various organizations, including the St. John Vianney Society, the Serra Club, and the Schoenstatt Rosary Group. He played a key role in establishing a Renew group in 1987, which remains active today, and was a dedicated leader in the Cursillo Movement, organizing Seder meals to promote understanding of faith traditions and hosting home Bible studies for prayer and reflection.

Funeral and Memorial Details

A Funeral Mass for Kenneth H. Lavelle is scheduled for October 21st, 2025, at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church at 9:30 a.m., with visitation beginning at 8:30 a.m. Following the service, burial will take place at Southern Heritage Cemetery in Pelham, Alabama. A reception will be held at the funeral home post-burial, and all are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church in Kenneth’s memory.

Legacy of Love and Memories

Kenneth H. Lavelle leaves behind a legacy filled with love, laughter, and handmade memories. He will be remembered not only for his accomplishments in life and career but also for the way he touched the hearts of those around him, maintaining strong family bonds and enriching his community.

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Additional Resources

• Dignity Memorial: Kenneth Lavelle
• Wikipedia: Kenneth Lavelle
• New Orleans Saints: Coaching Staff News
• Google Search: Kenneth Lavelle
• Dignity Memorial: Emily Lavelle
• Google Scholar: Kenneth Lavelle
• Legacy: Natalie Lavelle
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Kenneth Lavelle
• Legacy: Kenneth Leblanc
• Google News: Kenneth Lavelle
• Dignity Memorial: Natalie Lavelle

Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER

The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.