The Ken M. Lesniak Scholarship has been established to honor Ken's legacy of grace, kindness, and service he showed to others, and provide support for future generations of HCC students, with a preference for students enrolled in the Construction or Automotive Trades programs.

We invite donations to the scholarship fund in memory of Ken Lesniak and his commitment to mentorship and investing in Houston’s workforce. Future HCC students will benefit from the gift of education through your thoughtful donation.

We ask you to help us take the scholarship to new heights and reach a goal of $10,000 so we can award more scholarships to HCC students.

About Kenneth Michael Lesniak

Born on December 5, 1944, in Buffalo, New York, Kenneth lived a life defined by courage, devotion, and unconditional love. A proud graduate of Bishop Ryan High School, he went on to serve in the U.S. Marine Corps, making history in 1965 as the first combat Marine to set foot on Vietnamese soil in Da Nang. His military service took him around the world, including a distinguished assignment at the American Embassy in Bogotá, Colombia, where he served as a Marine Security Guard. It was there that he met the love of his life, Clara Correa Muñoz.

After his honorable discharge in 1968, Kenneth married Clara, and together they began their life in Buffalo, New York. They later settled in Houston, Texas. A man of deep faith, Kenneth was a dedicated member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Houston.

He and Clara built a beautiful life together, raising three children Kenneth, Andrea, and Kristina. Kenneth worked tirelessly to provide his family with every opportunity, serving over 30 years with the United States Postal Service, where he retired as a supervisor. He also worked as a bookkeeper and spent more than three decades at Velleriano Italy, a men’s Italian suit store. In his later years, he became an exemplary employee at the Mosquito Joe franchise in southwest Houston, where he was beloved by customers and earned the utmost respect from his team, offering mentorship and support with quiet wisdom.

A talented woodworker and meticulous bookkeeper, Kenneth’s proudest role was that of a tax preparer, generously helping countless families with their taxes always easing burdens without ever seeking recognition.

Above all, Kenneth’s greatest joy was his family. He was a devoted husband to Clara for 56 years, a loving father, and an adoring grandfather to Sophie, Quinn, Madeline, Alex, and Sabrina. His legacy is one of unwavering generosity, humility, and love a life well lived and deeply cherished.

He is survived by his beloved wife Clara; his son Kenneth (Sharon); his daughters Andrea (Jason) and Kristina (Santiago); and his five grandchildren, who brought him immeasurable pride and joy.

On May 21,2025 he passed away peacefully at the age of 80.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and proud U.S. Marine.

Kenneth will be remembered always and missed dearly. May we honor his legacy by living with the same grace, kindness, and service he showed to others.

May he rest in eternal peace.