Kenneth Warren Peterson

Kenneth Warren Peterson was born in Buffalo, New York, on December 8, 1958, to his late parents, Shirley Bozeman and Kenneth W. Peterson.

Following a brief illness and surrounded by loving family and friends, Kenneth passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 30, 2025, in Chicago, Illinois.

Kenneth leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Simone; sister-in-law, Kaye Cassandra; nephew, Kevin (Melissa); and niece, Michelle of Toronto, Canada; Aunt Lorraine Rue; cousins Michelle (Clifton) Wade, Lynette (Ricky) Broadway, Jasmine (Kristopher) Campbell of Waldorf Maryland, Lawrence (Monet) of Virginia, and Lauren of Bowie, Maryland; cousins Daryl Marks, Margia Marks, Andrew Mills, and Dennis Wilson, Sr., Buffalo, New York; and a host of loving relatives and friends.
Finding Purpose & Meaning

Kenneth grew up in Buffalo, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Medaille College. He was also a proud graduate of Leadership Buffalo and the Governor's Leadership Classroom of 1998. His professional accomplishments and leadership were recognized with honors from Buffalo Business First.

During his years in Buffalo, Kenneth learned his most valuable life lessons from his late grandfather, King W. Peterson, a leader in civic and community service. In his tribute to his grandfather, who died in 2012, Kenneth said: "King W. Peterson lived a remarkable life, one that inspires me greatly. His adventurous attitude, his commitment to public service, and his caring and supportive nature made him a wonderful person to know. He was a serious man yet forgiving and generous with his time and affection."

Today, the many tributes and testimonies from countless friends and colleagues echo the same sentiments about Kenneth. "Like his grandfather, Kenneth dedicated his life to community and civic leadership, leaving a lasting impact on Buffalo. Kenneth's humility, warmth, and unwavering commitment made him feel like family. Kenneth will be deeply missed, but his impact will live on through the history he honored and the future he helped shape," said Buffalo Common Council Majority Leader Leah M. Halton-Pope, one of so many longtime colleagues and friends.

During his life in Buffalo, Kenneth literally embraced another significant influence in his life. On July 23, 1988, he married his British-Canadian sweetheart, Simone Mitchell, whom he lovingly called his "sweetie sweet" and he was her "lovey love." They shared 37 wonderful years of marriage filled with love, laughter, adventure—and their deep commitment to service.

In Chicago, Kenneth was a steady supporter and volunteer alongside Simone, who is the CEO of Little Brothers - Friends of the Elderly, a nonprofit organization dedicated to relieving isolation and loneliness among older adults in Chicago. Whether meeting older adults at LBFE events or sharing friendship at holiday meals, Kenneth was devoted to advancing Simone's work and the mission of LBFE.

A Commitment to Community & Career

For more than 30 years, Kenneth brought his strategic leadership skills to a range of urban issues throughout Buffalo, focusing on policy, K-12 education, real estate development, property management, and community revitalization.

In 2009, he became the founder and CEO of KXD Consulting LLC, a strategic communication and government relations consultancy that designed solutions to many of society's most complex challenges: improving educational outcomes, granting access to workplace opportunities, and providing quality, affordable housing, and health care.

In 2019, Kenneth expanded his career portfolio by founding Stonebridge Realty Services to provide property management services for commercial, residential, and educational facilities.

Kenneth was widely recognized for his experience and expertise in government relations, public affairs, and community economic development for public, private, and nonprofit organizations. He served in senior management positions with the Buffalo Niagara Partnership, HSBC USA, the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, and the New York State Charter Schools Association. Kenneth also was a member of the Board of Directors for the Park School of Buffalo, Niagara Falls National Heritage Area, and YAMTEP, Inc.

Throughout his career, Kenneth believed in sharing his talents in service to others, including his work as Managing Director for The Jeremiah Partnership, an association of mission-driven faith-based community development companies.

He has been a Board member for numerous organizations: Capital District Community Garden, Capital District YMCA, Illinois Network of Charter Schools, New York Charter Schools Association, Greater Buffalo Partnership, Charter School for Applied Technology, and many more.

Preserving Heritage & Culture

In 2020, Kenneth's passion for African American heritage led him to become involved with civic preservation projects such as rescuing and restoring Murphy Orchard, a historic fruit farm near Lake Ontario that had been a stop on the Underground Railroad.

A deep love of music, especially jazz, inspired Kenneth to spearhead work to renovate and expand the Historic Colored Musicians Club and Jazz Museum of Buffalo, NY. Celebrating its 90th anniversary this year, the Club was formerly known as Musicians Local 533, the only continuously running Black-owned music venue in the United States. Most recently, Kenneth served as the organization's first CEO.

Over the years, many Buffalo, NY, organizations benefited from Kenneth's service as volunteer trustee: Artspace, The Park School of Buffalo, and the Brick Charter School Network.

The final words that Kenneth said in tribute to his late grandfather are words that all who knew and loved him also can say: "I will continue to enjoy the presence of his spirit each waking day and cherish his memory forever."