Harris, Kenneth F. Sr.

Harris, Kenneth F., Sr.

Mr. Kenneth F. Harris., age 90, of Fairport, NY, passed away September 30, 2016.  Ken was born October 24, 1925 in Hannibal, New York to Leon and Ethel Harris.  He was an identical twin with his brother Karl Harris who resides in the state of Washington.  He was one of seven siblings and graduated from high school at the age of 15.  He attended Oswego State College and then Cornell University where he attained his Masters Degree.  Ken married Donna Gleason and they moved to Nunda, NY where he began his career as an Industrial Arts teacher.  They had their first born son, Kenneth F. Harris, Jr..  He then took a position in Cincinnatus, NY as a Guidance Counselor.  In 1958, he moved to Fairport, NY where he accepted a position as Coordinator to the Board of Educational Services of the First Supervisory District of Monroe County (BOCES #1).  He and his wife had two more sons, Richard and Scott.  Ken soon became Assistant Superintendent and then District Superintendent of BOCES #1.  In 1974, he married Rose Marie Percy. Rose Marie had two children Steven and Kathy Percy.  His family grew with the two families joining together.  Ken continued as District Superintendent of BOCES #1 until his retirement in 1984.  He kept busy with interim superintendent positions, consulting and working with his wife in their Country Harvest Antique Shop in the village of Fairport.

However education and a “kids first” attitude was still his passion. So Ken decided in 1988, when his grandson Zachary was born, to run for the Fairport School Board.  He remained on the school board for 18 years until his second retirement at the age of 80, but not before  handing Zachary his high school diploma at graduation.

Ken will be remembered for his love of family, his wisdom, his positive outlook on life, his “unique” sense of humor, his generosity and for his ability to see the best in people. He used these gifts to make the world a better place and he will be greatly missed.

He was predeceased by his wife, Rose Marie Harris and son Kenneth F. Harris, Jr.  He is survived by his identical twin brother, Karl (Rita) Harris, sister Velma Kirsch; children Richard Harris, Scott (Rina) Harris, daughter-in-law Gayle Harris, Kathy (David) Yaeger, Steven Percy; his ten grandchildren Hollie LaVoie, Wendy Schroeder, Kenneth F. Harris, III, Stephanie Harris, Ashley Duckwitz, Zachary Harris, Mitchell Harris, Joshua Yaeger, Genevieve Yaeger and Dustin Oswald, his seven great-grandchildren Alexis Harris, Seth Schroeder, Alyssa Duckwitz, Meghan LaVoie, Morgan LaVoie, Ayden Duckwitz and Zephen Schroeder and many cousins, nephews and nieces.

Calling hours will be held Thursday, 3-7 at the Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home, Egypt Location.  A Celebration of his Life will be held Friday, 10AM at The First Congregational Church in Fairport.  In lieu of flowers please consider donations to Monroe #1 BOCES Educational Foundation, 41 O’Connor Rd., Fairport, NY or Joining Hearts and Hands, LTD, 6944 Benedict Beach, Hamlin, NY 14464.