Kenneth Charles Rishel passed away peacefully on October 22, 2017, at his home in Watertown. He was 70 years old.
Kenn was born in 1946 in Utica, NY, a son of Lois and Lester Rishel. He married Leslie Anne Syposs on December 30, 1967 in North Tonawanda, NY. Kenn graduated from SUNY Oneonta with a Bachelor’s Degree in education and eventually completed his Master’s Degree in education from SUNY Cortland. In his early years, Kenn held various jobs in the education field including President of Teachers Union in Holland Patent, NY and elementary teacher and principal of General William Floyd Elementary School in Stittville, NY. Kenn moved his family to Carthage in 1981 when he became the Assistant Superintendent of Carthage Central Schools. Kenn earned his Certificate of Advanced Studies in 1985. Kenn was appointed Superintendent in 1987 and continued until 1996. He loved this job and treasured the students, his colleagues, and helping the community.
He was a member of the Carthage Area Hospital Board for many years. This position directly led to his appointment as CEO of the Carthage Hospital from 1996 through 1998. After leaving the Carthage School System, Kenn ultimately went back to his first love and became a professor of Education at SUNY Oneonta. With little fanfare, Kenn retired in 2015 after being involved in education for over 50 years.
Kenn loved animals! He and his wife Leslie would visit a farm of rescued donkeys, mules and horses every trip to Oneonta. He would photograph these animals and annually gift his family with calendars highlighting his favorite pictures. Kenn also has owned many sweet guinea pigs throughout his life. He leaves behind one of his favorites, “Noodles”, named by his beloved grandson, Lucas Fiorentino.
Lucas became a very important person in Kenn’s life. Kenn loved to listen to Lucas read him stories. They had fun watching movies together, including Fantastic Beasts and Star Wars, discussing school work, watching cute animal videos, and enjoying meals together. Answering an endless amount of questions from a curious 8-year-old was something Kenn relished!
Kenn also enjoyed the following: 50’s and 60’s music, Elvis, Leonard Cohen, old radio programs, Art’s Jug Pizza, conspiracy theories (especially Bigfoot & Aliens), historical documentaries, Thanksgiving Dinner, magic, naps, books on CD, David Sedaris and British Crime Programs.
He is survived by his cherished wife of 50 years, Leslie, his very favorite older daughter, Samantha Rishel and his favorite youngest daughter, Andrea Rishel Fiorentino, her husband, Matthew Fiorentino and their son, Lucas. Also surviving Kenn are his sister, Judith Carbone and her four sons and his brother, Jon Rishel.
Kenn would like to be remembered as someone who truly valued education and hard work but loved a good nap! Kenn suffered from depression for many years and would like people to know that this is an illness not to be ashamed of, but instead something that must be battled too, just like cancer. Kenn was kind, compassionate, smart, and very funny. He will be missed by all who knew him.
A special thanks to the many doctors and nurses who showed so much kindness and compassion.
Hospice was pivotal in helping him enjoy his last few months. They are an amazing organization.
Calling hours will be on Monday, October 30th, from 4-7 at Reed and Benoit Funeral Home. There will be no funeral service, as per his request.
Condolences may be made online at www.reedbenoit.com