Kenneth E. Coonrod

KENNETH E. COONROD, 89, of Point Road, Willsboro, passed away Friday, April 8, 2016 at CVPH Medical Center with his wife Ella by his side. He was born on March 18, 1927, son of Frank and Evalina (Blanchard) Coonrod. He was predeceased by his parents as well as a sister Irene Rathbun and her husband Fletcher.

Ken is survived by his wife of 66 years, Ella (Doyle), a daughter Cheryl and husband Lawrence Morgan of Concord, NH, a son Keith and wife Joan Coonrod, full-time RV travelers. He is also survived by five grandchildren Kenneth Morgan of Brentwood TN, Michael Morgan of Santa Monica CA, Heather Coonrod of Lexington KY, Meghan (Coonrod) and husband Brad Carr of Lisbon NY, and Nicole Coonrod of Laconia NH.

Ken graduated from Willsboro High School in 1944. He then enrolled in an accelerated course at Coyne Electrical School in Chicago IL.

Ken was a veteran of World War II, serving in the South Pacific as a Petty Officer, Electrician’s Mate 3/C 1944-1946. He was awarded metals that included WW II Metal, American Campaign, Asiatic Pacific Campaign, Philippines Liberation, and Japanese Occupation. In 2011, Ken was a member of the Patriot Flight, an organization affiliated with the National Honor Flight Network that brings WWII Veterans to our nation’s capital.

Ken is past President Willsboro Chamber of Commerce, past President Willsboro/Essex Kiwanis Club, past Commander American Legion Post 405 with over 60 years of continuous membership, charter member of Willsboro Industries.

Over a 30 year span, Ken was an owner of various businesses that included Willsboro Motor Service and Willsboro Furniture & Appliance Store. He subsequently was employed by NYCO as maintenance superintendent until his retirement in 1985. Ken and Ella subsequently embarked on another career as Wagonmasters for Tracks to Adventure Caravans and traveled domestically and internationally for 13 years. Ken also served as the Willsboro Town Judge from 1993 to December 2013.

Ken was inducted into the Willsboro Central School “Wall of Distinction” in 2011.

Ken was a member and Eucharist Minister at St. Philip’s Church. He was also an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed woodworking, golf and gardening.

Calling hours will be from 4:00 to 7:00 PM on Monday, April 11, at Marvin-Heald Funeral Home, 7521 Court Street, Elizabethtown. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 AM on Tuesday, April 12, at St. Philip of Jesus church in Willsboro. Burial will follow in the Calvary Cemetery with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Willsboro/Essex EMS (PO Box 55, Essex, NY) in the name of Kenneth Coonrod.

To light a memorial candle or leave an online condolence please visit www.healdfuneralhomeinc.com