GHENT—Kenneth E. Heath, 88, died Sunday, February 23, 2025 at the Ghent Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.
Born in Hartford, CT, October 30, 1936, he was the son of the late Jennings and Pauline (Menninger) Heath. He was a 1954 graduate of Wakefield High School and was a veteran of the Korean War, proudly serving in the United States Marine Corps. While stationed at HQMC Washington, D.C., he was a member of the elite honor guard at the Iwo Jima War Memorial, Arlington, VA, before training with Naval Intelligence for assignment at the Pentagon. He later attended George Washington University under the G.I. Bill of Rights, majoring in business administration.
He married a fellow Marine, Betty Lou Wasner of Philmont, September 23, 1955 and enjoyed 60 years of marriage until her death in 2015. He is survived by: daughters, Sandra Grogan (Jack) of Albany, Joanne Bobb of Savannah, GA, and Angela White (George) of Philmont; six grandchildren, Jessica, John “JJ” (Liz), Samantha (Gordon), Kirstin (Vinnie), Colton (Brea) and Annika; two great-grandsons, Alistair and Jack; a sister, Carole. He was predeceased by a son, Richard and a brother, Gordon.
He was a member of the Second Reformed Church of Claverack in Philmont and was a former elder and deacon. He was also a former member and president of the Philmont Rescue Squad and life-member of the Philmont Rod and Gun Club. He spent 31 years at Harders Express, Inc. of Claverack and retired as vice president. His professional affiliations were closely aligned with the trucking industry. He was on the Board of Directors of the Capital District Transportation Association and the Mid-Hudson Traffic Club. He will be remembered for his energy, tenacity, sharp wit, his fully stocked cellar, attention to detail, strong sense of patriotism for the USMC, love of family and his prodigious memory. He also believed that life is too short to wake up with regrets; love the people who treat you right and forget about the ones who don’t. “Ken” believed in God, life, the USMC, possessing much empathy, compassion and love for family and all people.
Calling hours were held March 3, 2025 at the Sacco Funeral Home, 700 Town Hall Drive, Greenport. Funeral services followed at the funeral home with Pastor Bob Milsom officiating. Burial with military honors will be in the Mellenville Union Cemetery. Remembrances are requested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Shriners Hospital for Children, or to a charity of one’s choice.
