Kenneth W. Olcott

Kenneth W. Olcott, 94, passed away on December 26, 2025. Born May 15,1931, the son of Wayne and Theresa (Mann) Olcott, Ken grew up on the family farm in Fabius, NY, where he graduated from high school in 1948.

Kenneth earned Bachelor of Science and Master's Degrees in Agricultural Education from Cornell University. He worked on the family farm before beginning his teaching career with positions at Wallkill and Vernon-Verona-Sherrill Central Schools. In 1963, he became professor of Agricultural Engineering at SUNY Agricultural and Technical College at Cobleskill, NY. He chaired his department and spent three years as the Dean of the Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources before retiring after 36 years as an educator.

Ken served on national Boards for his profession, co-authored a well-respected curriculum guide and published national articles. At SUNY Cobleskill he was an early adopter to incorporate industry needs into curriculum, coordinated starting the Bachelor of Technology Degree and negotiated to establish the John Deere Tech program. Kenneth played a lead role in establishing the National Postsecondary Agricultural Student Organization and served as its volunteer Executive Director for 25 years.

Most importantly, he put young people and their success first. Not only his own children, but generations of students and fellow educators credit Ken with showing them how to succeed as students, professionals and, vitally, as human beings.

In the community, Ken chaired the Schoharie County Cooperative Extension Board during a pivotal period and helped lead the Men's Prayer Breakfast. He was an active and devoted member of Cobleskill United Methodist Church (UMC), serving in many capacities, from working with children and youth to serving as Treasurer for 17 years. He also served on UMC District and Conference committees.

His dedication was honored with the NY State Chancellors Award for Excellence in Teaching, inaugural SUNY Cobleskill Wall of Fame, National FFA Honorary American Degree and PAS National Honorary Membership.

Kenneth is survived by his wife of 71 years Jane, son Ronald Olcott of California; daughter Deborah Taylor (David) of North Carolina; and brother Carl Olcott (Barbara) of Camillus, NY. He is mourned by brothers-in-law Roger Skeele (Sandy) of Syracuse and Edwin Skeele of Fabius and sisters-in-law Linda Skeele Meyers (John) of Fabius, Pat Skeele of Oregon and Gloria Skeele of Fabius, as well as numerous nephews and nieces and their families.

Excelling in many avenues, Ken was most of all Jane's dedicated partner, Ron and Deb's great dad, humanitarian, Christian and joy-filled person. Myriad "adopted" kids/grandkids, friends and acquaintances join in celebrating Ken's life well lived.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11 am on January 27, 2026, at Cobleskill United Methodist Church, with visitation at 10 am. Interment will take place in Fabius Skeele Cemetery at a later date. If you wish to honor Ken's life with a donation, please consider Cobleskill UMC, 109 Chapel St., Cobleskill, NY 12043; or the Ken and Jane Olcott Scholarship Endowment, SUNY Cobleskill Foundation, 106 Suffolk Circle, 228 Knapp Hall, Cobleskill, NY 12043.