Kenneth G. Kokoszka passed away Sept. 29, 2024, suddenly after a short, hard battle with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Ken was surrounded by family when he fell asleep, peaceful in Jesus’s arms. CANCER SUCKS!
Ken was born in Paterson, New Jersey on March 3, 1953, to his parents Josephine Dziekonski and Bronislaw Kokoszka. Ken was an only child who was doted on by his mother and maternal grandmother.
Ken leaves behind his love, Mary Jeanniton. Ken and Mary had an adventure full of life of fourteen years together. Recently, they were married Aug. 8, 2021. Their adventures included fly fishing, motorcycle rides, concerts, and festivals. On of our many adventures included a month-long adventure to Wyoming, Montana, Idaho and South Dakota. If we weren’t on our motorcycle, we were in the river fly fishing.
Ken was a NYS licensed guide, who helped create the guide system back in the eighties. Ken had a badge #3 for over 25 years. He had to stop guiding due to an aneurysm he survived during the Walton flood of 2006. This is when he got his nickname “Tough box.”
Ken loved to tell stories. He liked to share his time working at Kraft and the hijinks that went on in the cottage cheese room. He was so proud of the vats of cheese he made. The friendships he made while working at Kraft was a plus. Especially his friendship with Kevin McGrath. “Oh, the stories about these two.” I bet they are whooping it up in heaven together.
Ken was an amazing fly fisherman. He was a teacher to many. He loved to pass his skills to his family. Ken introduced Mary to fly fishing with a trip to the salmon river. From that first time Mary became Ken’s Fishing partner for life. Their fishing adventures included the local Delaware River fishery, the many tributaries of western New York, special trips to Canada, Maine, New Hampshire and the famous rivers in the states they visited out west. Family fishing trips were so special to Ken, especially the yearly trip with the grandsons to Oak Orchard in Albion.
Ken’s favorite fish were steelheads, wild rainbows and brown trouts. Ken was an accomplished fly tyer, tying all his own flies. Ken Loved sharing his knowledge will people of all ages. Ken’s grandchildren loved fishing with their papa.
Ken was a dad to many throughout his life. Family was very important to him. He leaves behind many that truly loved him. His son Kenneth A. Kokoszka (Peggy Adams), Kaiden and Bently Kokoszka, daughter Lora Russell and her children Dominick, Jasmine, Camryn Russell and Ken’s great-grandson Zaire; daughter Tara (Alfred), grandson Alfred Jr., Ashe; Dallas Crossman and granddaughter Elizabeth and daughter Zoey Gilmore. He also leaves behind Mary’s children and grandchildren he loved like his own: Christopher Jeanniton (Paula), grandsons Charlie and Joey; Natasha Reed, (Jed Holmes) and grandchildren Deakin Thompson, Thalia Jeanniton, Hazel and Athena Reed; Nicole Jeanniton (Dakota Wright), and grandchildren Madalyn, Nadia Giannicchi and Sawyer Wright.
Calling hours will be held Tuesday, Oct. 8, at the Courtney Funeral Home, from 3 to 5:30 p.m. with a service at 5:30 with DCN Dr. Michael Freeman officiating.
Join the family at Hamden Town Hall for a gathering to celebrate Ken’s life with some good food and storytelling, following the service.
Burial will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.
Arrangements are with Courtney Funeral Home, 25 Townsend Street, Walton. Expressions of sympathy may be made online by visiting www.courtneyfh.com
