Kenneth P. Ray, Esq.

Mr. Kenneth P. Ray, Esq., age 76, of Barneveld, passed away on Thursday, October 9, 2008 in the comfort of his home with his loving family by his side. Born in Brooklyn, NY on June 11, 1932, Kenneth was the son of the late Patsy and Mollie (Stanley) Ray. He received his primary education locally, and was a 1948 graduate of Sauquoit Valley Central High School. As a Golden Gloves champion boxer, he was awarded a full scholarship to Syracuse University where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree Cum Laude in Psychology. His undergraduate pursuits included boxing, Vice President of King’s Bench, and member of Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity. He then attended Cornell Law School where he was awarded his LLB Law degree with honors in 1955. While at Cornell, Ken was on the Board of Editors of the Cornell Law Review, and President of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity. Kenneth was formerly wed to Dorothy June Legg. He shared another union with Jena Rose Atkins. Ken’s professional life was preeminent, and his affiliations were prolific. He was admitted to the New York State Bar in 1955, and during the early years of his career his professional licenses included the Federal District Court, U.S. Claims Court, U.S. Supreme Court, and U.S. Court of Appeals. He was employed by private firms, where he drafted professional articles. Kenneth was employed by the Department of Justice, tax division, where he worked as a trial attorney, First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of New York, and Oneida County Assistant District Attorney. Kenneth began his private practice with the firm of Williams, Ray and Shaheen. During the 1970’s and 80’s, Ken had extensive experience in the public sector as General Counsel for the Town of Trenton, Utica City School District, Utica Municipal Housing Authority, and the Common Council of Utica. He also traveled abroad extensively where he successfully negotiated contracts with international corporations and foreign governments. Over the last several decades he engaged in the private practice of law under the name of Kenneth P. Ray, P.C. with offices at 213 Rutger St. in Utica where he represented public and private clients in civil and criminal matters. Ken was profiled in the Martindale-Hubbell Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, and his memberships in professional organizations included The American Bar Association, New York State Bar Association, Oneida County Bar Association, American Association of Trial Lawyers, U.S. Court of Claims Bar Association, NY State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Utica Area Chamber of Commerce, and Trenton Chamber of Commerce. Ken was an avid sports fan of his alma mater, Syracuse University, and he loved spending time on his boat navigating the St. Lawrence River, appreciating the scenery and history of the waterway. Recently, Kenneth attended the unveiling of the Ernie Davis statue that he donated to Syracuse University. Ken is survived by his children and their families: Pamela E. Koshmerl of Glastonbury, CT, Suzanne L. and Jeffrey P. Fraser of Pompano Beach, FL, Kimberly J. and Peter S. Zogby of Athens, GA, K. Paul and Diane L. Ray of Charlton, MA, Andrea E. Ray of New York City, Jolianne A. Ray of Dubai, UAE, and twins Kristina N. Ray of Utica, and Jonathan O. Ray of Barneveld with whom he resided; his grandchildren and their families: Sarah and Jacob Morton of MA, Lacey Herkimer, Brianna Koshmerl, and Hannah Koshmerl, all of CT, Rebeccah and Jeremy Silence of Denver, CO, Melissa Fraser of Barneveld, Eric Ray of MA, and Luca Ray Yang of New York City; and his great-grandchildren, Zachary Silence and Madison Silence. Survivors also include his sister, Judith Ray of AZ; his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and sister-in-law, Alberta D. Shaw of Sauquoit. Ken also leaves his family friend and physician, Dr. Joseph Booth, and friends Richard and Cindy Nimey and their family, and the Girmonde family. He was predeceased by his brothers, John S. Ray and Philip A. Ray. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Alicia DeTraglia and her staff, especially acknowledging Kim for their professionalism and regard; and Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. for their care and support. Visitation will be held Monday from 4:00-8:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South St. corner of Hammond Ave. In honor of Ken’s dedication to higher education, in lieu of floral offerings, contributions may be made to the Ray Family Educational Fund; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Kenneth’s funeral service will commence on Tuesday morning at 10:00 from the funeral home and at 11:00 at St. John the Evangelist Church in New Hartford where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Kenneth P. Ray, Esq.

June 11, 1932 - October 9, 2008