Kenneth W. Coe

CANASTOTA - Kenneth W. Coe, 75, of 322 N. Main St., Canastota, died Thursday, Dec. 22, 2011, at Syracuse VA Medical Center, following a lengthy illness.

He was born on Feb. 4, 1936, in Rome, N.Y., the son of Alton and Margaret Palms Coe.
Kenneth spent his early years in Rome, attending Rome schools. A lifelong resident of the Central New York area, Ken lived in Canastota since 1973.

He married Rosalie Mitchell on May 10, 1974 in Wampsville.

Ken proudly served his country with the United States Air Force from 1953- 1961, where he was a jet engine mechanic and honorably discharged with the rank of Staff Sergeant E-5.

He was a self-employed electrician, operating his own business ""Mr. Cool Refrigeration"" for more than 15 years. Later, he became a certified instructor with the United States Golf Teachers Assn. He was a golf instructor at Rogues Roost in Bridgeport, Northern Pines in Cicero and Four Seasons in Fayetteville. He also had his own inside driving ranges at Penn Can and Fayetteville Mall.

Kenneth loved to sell used cars as a hobby and had many good times at the auto auctions in the area.

He was an avid stock car racer and was well known as the No. 4 in the overhead and later the modified divisions at Utica-Rome Speedway, Evans Mills Speedway and other area tracks. Ken was a member of the IBEW Local No. 43. He had formerly been a member at Kanon Valley Country Club, Rogues Roost and Casolwood Golf Club. He holds the record for having been the youngest player in Rome High School baseball to throw multiple no-hitters. He also played for the Philadelphia Phillies Farm Club in Chicago.

Surviving besides his wife, Rosalie, are: three sons and two daughters-in-law, Timothy Coe, Kenneth and Lisa Coe, Robert and Christine Coe, all of Canastota; one daughter and son-in-law, Cindy Coe-Verschage and Daniel Verschage of McMurray, Pa.; one brother and sister-in-law, Alton and Florence Coe of Oneida; one sister-in-law, Kathy Coe of New London; and five grandchildren, Ryan, Meghan, Amanda, Brittany and Kenneth, along with many nieces and nephews. Kenneth was predeceased by his parents, step parents, Addison Dean and Adelia Coe, a sister, Betty Mae Douglas, a half-brother, Alan Coe and a stepbrother, Dennis Smith

Funeral services for Kenneth W. Coe, 75, of Canastota, will be held 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 29, 2011, at the J. Homer Ball Funeral Home, Canastota. The Rev. Anthony F. Tosti will officiate. Burial with military honors will be in St. Agatha's Cemetery, Canastota. Calling hours will be held Wednesday from 4-7 p.m.. at the funeral home, 201 James St., Canastota. In his memory, contributions may be made to the CNY PGA Foundation, 800 Nottingham Road, Syracuse, N.Y. 13224, with envelopes available at the funeral home.