Reverend Kenneth A. Burnett

WILKES-BARRE- Reverend Kenneth 'Duke' Aaron Burnett, 56, of Wilkes-Barre, passed away June 6, 2012 at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital. He was born March 8, 1956 in Washington DC to William and Anna (Austin) Burnett. He attended Archbishop Caroll High School in Washington DC and continued his education at Kings College in Wilkes Barre, PA, graduating in 1978 with a Bachelor of Science degree in social work. Following college, he became a member of the United States Army Reserves. Reverend Burnett was assigned to Bethel AME Church in Williamsport in 2010 to present. Other assignments included Bethel AME Church in Scranton (2007-2009), Bethel AME Church in Williamsport (1996-2006), and St. Paul’s AME Church in Milton (1996-2004). He was employed by the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections for over 20 years before his retirement in 2006. Reverend Burnett was a member of the Luzerne County Diversity Commission, the NAACP, and Masonic Lodge Golden Rule #15. He was actively involved in the community. He was preceded in death by his mother, Anna (Austin) Burnett of Washington DC. Reverend Burnett leaves his loving and devoted wife of 22 years, Donna I. (Silva) Burnett, his loving and caring father, William Burnett (Phyllis) of Washington DC; his only brother, Michael Burnett of Washington DC; his godson, Peter Ogan (Elve) of Hinesville, GA; his charming granddaughter “Maddy” whom he cherished; one uncle, James Austin (Barbara) of Hartford, CT and two aunts, Helen Mayo and Louise Person of Washington, DC; two loving sisters-in-law, Debora Silva-Smith of Waldorf, MD and Mary Brown of Tallahassee, FL; one brother-in-law, Nicola Silva of Providence, RI, his caring nephew and niece, Victor Beaner Burnett and JeNay Smith; two dedicated friends, Robert Feldman (Karen) and James Wynder, Jr. (Marie); his Bethel AME Church family, numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. The funeral service will be held at noon on Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at Kniffen O’Malley Funeral Home, Inc., 465 S. Main Street, in Wilkes-Barre. The Reverend Eric Brown will officiate. Friends may call Tuesday evening from 5:00 to 8:00 pm and Wednesday morning from 11:00 am until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Bethel AME Church Building Fund, 601 Hepburn Street, Williamsport, PA 17711-5006.