Kenneth H. Rucki

Kenneth H. Rucki obituary, Watertown, NY

Kenneth H. Rucki

Kenneth Rucki Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by D.L. Calarco Funeral Home Inc on Oct. 16, 2024.

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Kenneth H. Rucki, 76, of Flower Ave. West, passed away October 12, 2024, at Hospice of Jefferson County at the Ellis Farm.
Ken was born July 23, 1948, in Brooklyn, NY, son of Henry W. and Helen V. (Stelmasiak) Rucki. He graduated from North Babylon High School in 1966 and attended Willaim Jewell College with a Tennis Scholarship until he enlisted in to the United States Army in 1968. He served until his honorable discharge in 1988, spending his career as a helicopter pilot, early on in Vietnam.
In September of 1970 he married Kathy A. Parow at the Presbyterian Nursing Home in Syosset, LI.
After Ken served twenty years in the US Army as a helicopter pilot he owned and operated North Country Helicopter, serving the community in various capacities. The business was sold in the early 1990's. For twenty-nine years he was a financial advisor for Legend Equities, retiring in 2023.
Surviving besides his wife Kathy is a son and his wife, Doug and Alissa Rucki, Albemarle, NC, a brother Greg Rucki. East Islip, LI three grandchildren, Tristen, Sara, Antionette, several nieces and nephews and his dog, Bentley.
Calling hours will be Friday October 25, 2024 from 4-7pm at the D.L. Calarco Funeral Home, Inc. A funeral service will be held Saturday, October 26th at noon at First Presbyterian Church. Burial will be in Sackets Harbor Military Cemetery at the convenience of the family.
Contributions may be made in Ken's name to Gideons International, PO Box 97251, Washington, DC 20090-7251.
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October 10, 2025

Jack Scott posted to the memorial.

October 10, 2025

Brian Byrnes posted to the memorial.

October 25, 2024

Jack Scott and Family sent flowers.

3 Entries

Jack Scott

October 10, 2025

I recall Ken coming back from Vietnam and being the same cheerful, full of life person. I am sure he had his share of hard memories from the war and his experiences, but he was happy to be back and to hang out with his friends.
A group of us went to see the movie Woodstock in a drive in the Antoines Dry cleaners van loaded with beer, and he was right back in the grove. Jack Scott

Brian Byrnes

October 10, 2025

Our Mr. Rucki packed a lot of sinew  behind that fantastic sense of humor, and uncanny ability to warm up a roomful of strangers- especially when there were lots of females in the mix.

He was awarded 13 medals & accommodations including the DFC,
The Bronze Star, The Purple Heart, The Army Commendation, & The Air Force Commendation. Medals

Our Kenmy was a kind, gentle, & generous person, s devoted husband, a good father, and a wonderful, loyal friend. Our Mr. RUCKI was one of God's nicer creations. His death struck me deeply
God, I miss him so..

Brian

Soldier Salute Standing Spray

Jack Scott and Family

Sent Flowers

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D.L. Calarco Funeral Home Inc

135 Keyes Ave, Watertown, NY 13601

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Sign Kenneth Rucki's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

October 10, 2025

Jack Scott posted to the memorial.

October 10, 2025

Brian Byrnes posted to the memorial.

October 25, 2024

Jack Scott and Family sent flowers.