Kenneth R. Oldehoff

Tillson - Kenneth Richard Oldehoff (Ken), 70, a longtime resident of Tillson, NY passed away surrounded by his family on April, 15th at Stamford Hospital in Stamford, CT.
Ken was born in Freeport, NY to Ruth (Johansen) and Herbert Oldehoff in 1954. Growing up in East Meadow, NY, he made the most of being a baby boomer with neighborhood stickball games and egg creams, coupled with a strong desire to move beyond the confines of postwar suburban Long Island. He graduated from East Meadow High School in 1972, traveled a bit, and then went on to study English at SUNY New Paltz. There, he forged friendships that would last decades and fell in love with the Hudson Valley. And, it was there where he married the love of his life, Kate, raised his children, restored a 100 year old farmhouse, and became a fixture in his community.
Ken worked at Vassar College for over 35 years, starting as a temporary summer dishwasher and by the time he retired serving as the Director of Marketing and Sustainability for Campus Dining. He also got to enjoy having both of his children attend Vassar, where he impressed their friends with his humor and personality.
After retirement he continued to feed people and support local farms through various volunteer efforts: the Glean Team at UlsterCorps, and briefly serving on their board; the weekly farmers market at People's Place; and as a founder and dedicated volunteer of the Rosendale Farmers Market. Ken has been involved in various local initiatives and efforts over the years, including: chairing the Rosendale Democratic Committee, serving on the Rosendale Environmental Commission, helping to restore a one-room schoolhouse at Anna Devine Elementary School, and many others. "What can I do to help?" was his motto and he was a steady presence for his friends, family, and neighbors over the years. He also greatly enjoyed bicycling, hiking, reading, and actively supporting progressive politics.
Ken is survived by his wife of 45 years, Kathleen (Kate) Perry Oldehoff, of Tillson; his children Allison of Brooklyn and William (RoAnne) of Seattle and his twin granddaughters, Lilly and Riley; his two sisters, Nancy Cohan of Queens, NY and Diane Schonmann of Levittown, NY, and his siblings-in-law, nieces and nephews, many friends, and his last of many rescue dogs, Hammie. He is predeceased by his mother and father, Ruth and Herb, and his younger brother, Douglas.
Calling Hours will be held at the George J. Moylan Funeral Home Inc. on Monday, April 21st from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., followed by a short program from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., including an opportunity to share memories of Ken. An Earth Day natural burial will take place on Tuesday, April 22nd at 11:00 a.m. at the Rosendale Plains Cemetery.
Donations may be made in Ken's memory to some of the organizations he loved most: People's Place in Kingston, UlsterCorps, the Rosendale Farmers Market, and Partners in Health.