Kenneth Parkinson

Ithaca, NY- Kenneth W Parkinson, 91 passed away November 8th 2015, surrounded by family and friends in his home in Cohoes, New York. Ken was born in Burgettstown, Pennsylvania to the late David and Mary Parkison. After graduating from High School, Ken worked as an ALCO locomotive fireman at A.M. Byers Steel Company and, later, as part of the Panhandle Bridge Gang through the Pennsylvania Rail Road. In 1942 Ken patriotically enlisted in the Army proudly serving his country during World War II in radio intelligence and construction engineering, ending his service honorably in 1945 following a war-related injury while serving in Burma. He then attended the University Of Pittsburgh School Of Pharmacy, earning his pharmacy degree in 1949; He was employed as a pharmaceutical representative at Sterling Winthrop. This job took him to Ithaca, New York, where he met the love of his life, whom he shared nearly 64 wonderful years with. Ken and Mary raised their family in Ithaca, later moving to Fort Myers, Florida where they enjoyed 20 years of retirement before returning to New York to be with their beloved daughters and grandchildren. In addition to spending time with his family, Ken had an affinity for learning. He was a self-taught craftsman with a passion for live steam and locomotive building—expressed through his membership at The Finger Lakes Live Steamers. He loved the outdoors and spent time hiking, canoeing and camping with both his children and his grandchildren. Ken was a wonderful father, grandfather, husband, brother, and friend. He is survived by his wife, Mary, daughter Martha (Larry), and three grandchildren, Lauren, Marissa, and Michael. He is preceded in death by his 2 sons, John David and Michael Robert, and daughter, Beth Ann, and two brothers, Raymond and David. He will forever be remembered for the sacrifices he made for our country, his unwavering determination, wisdom and knowledge he has shared. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial service at the W.J. Lyons Jr. Funeral Home 1700 Washington Avenue, Rensselaer on Friday, November 20th at 4 pm.