Molly Sher: Honoring Ken Caroccia

Honoring Residents Corner: Ken Caroccia

Last year the Link Magazine honored employees, their hard work and longevity in the Community. This year the Link would like to honor residents living in Sun City Summerlin who have dedicated their time and service to making our community the wonderful place it is today.

We start off with resident, Ken Caroccia, a name that may be familiar to many. Ken was born on May 18, 1947, in Cliffside Park, New Jersey and remained there until 1952 when his family moved to Monrovia, CA. There he went to Catholic school and met his future wife, Heidi. Married on April 12, 1969, Ken and Heidi bought a house in Covina, CA in 1970. In 1971, Ken and Heidi had a boy, Damon, and in 1972, a daughter, Danielle.

Ken moved to Sun City Summerlin in 2003. His aunt lived here, and each visit to see her confirmed to Ken and Heidi that this was the place to retire to. Having come from a community in CA, where he served as President on the Board for the HOA for 1,125 homes, he immediately ran for Board of Directors and served on that Board for 14 years, from February 2005 to February 2019..

During his tenure on the Board, he also was involved and contributed to several committees such as Chairman of the Properties Committee for 11 years, ARC Chairman for 6 years, Community Preparedness Chairman for 6 years, and the Security Patrol for 19 years. One highlight in particular Ken is proud of being the Chairman for the 25th Anniversary of Sun City Summerlin where he and fellow volunteers created a celebration that was second to none.

Another highlight for Ken was being introduced to and participating in a new sport called “Pickleball.” He loved it so much that being on the Board, he supported those residents who wanted to create pickleball courts and got the BOD to approve eight pickleball courts at Desert Vista. Lo and behold, the sport has taken off and enjoys immense popularity, not just here but around the world.

Ken joined the Security Patrol and rose to Watch Commander. After 19 years he only recently has given up active duty due to health reasons, but he also has left Security a legacy; a contribution to be given out every month for the next 10 months directly to the members of the Patrol for their dedication and hard work; particularly those who volunteer for the night shifts.

Other projects included getting a basketball court approved; the remodeling of Sun Shadows in 2011; and with Ken Resnick, helping to change over the restaurant that is now Tavern at the Falls. He participated in the remodel of offices and library at Mt. Shadows, had a storage building built on the golf course so that Administration could stop renting storage off-premises and thereby savings thousands of dollars ($5,000 a year). Ken was involved in remodeling the miniature golf course at Mt. Shadows and along with Jim Akers helped create the shade for the pool at Mt. Shadows.

Ken wanted to add that he is so grateful for all the residents that helped him along the way; without them, he feels he could never have accomplished completion of so many successful projects that have made such a difference in the community.

In 1978, Ken bought his first Corvette – a 1977 Corvette, and has had a Corvette ever since. The last one he still has is loud and a beautiful sunset orange, which many residents are familiar with.

Ken has met and interacted with members of the Board and many residents over the years he’s lived here. “This is the best place to live, and may our community always be on the leading edge of quality living for those who are retired,” he said.

Ken now gets to nominate another resident who has given their time and made positive contributions to our community. “Stay tuned” to find out who that will be next month!