WATERTOWN, NY – Kennard A. Rath, 86, died Monday night February 16, 2015, at Samaritan Medical Center in Watertown, after a brief illness.
Born February 28, 1928, in Fulton NY, he was the son of Kennard and Erma Rath.
He attended Fulton schools, SUNY Oswego and Syracuse University.
On July 1, 1945, Kennard enlisted in the Marine Corps.
He was awarded numerous citations including the World War II victory medal.
He was honorably discharged in 1948 with a rank of corporal.
Kennard married Patricia Curtis on March 1, 1949 in Oswego.
Patricia passed away October 10, 2004.
Surviving Ken are his brother Lisle, Fayetteville NY; a son, Timothy (Susan) Rath of Pasadena, Maryland; daughter, Susan (Gary) Puccia Henderson, NY; three step-grandchildren; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
In 1948, he began his 38-year career with the Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation, working many years as a lineman.
He was promoted to line supervisor in Fulton, then superintendent of electric operations for the northern region, which included Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties.
Upon his retirement in 1986, Ken was director of operations in the company’s corporate headquarters in Syracuse.
Ken was a talented oil and watercolor artist, an avid golfer, a New York Yankee fan and enjoyed watching Syracuse University sports and NASCAR racing.
There are no calling hours.
Arrangements are with Dowdle Funeral Home.
Private burial will be Thursday at St. Peter’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be sent to either the Urban Mission 247 Factory St. Watertown, or a charity of your choice.
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My deepest sympathy for your loss! On occasions I worked with Ken, I thought very highly of him as co-worker. He will surely be missed.
Ken and Pat were a wonderful couple. They were the life of many UEA parties. I enjoyed working with him over the years.