Berton Ketchum

Shokan-

  Berton Ketchum, 88, of Shokan, died peacefully surrounded by family, on Saturday January 22, 2022, at the Kingston Hospital.  He was born on June 4, 1933,  in Johnson City, NY, son of the late Vernon and Elleen Smith Ketchum.  He was an honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. Army having served in the 1950's.   Berton earned his Bachelor's Degree and his Master's Degree in Physical Education at SUNY Cortland, and his Master's in Guidance at SUNY Oneonta.  He was a guidance counselor at Onteora Central Schools for about three decades.  Bert was an active member of the Onteora Teachers Association and served on the negotiation’s committee and District Council for many years. He was a talented athlete, long time member of the Woodstock Golf Course, a league Bowler, and enjoyed playing tennis.  He was the OCS Varsity Football Coach, and served as Senior Class Advisor. He was a positive influence on many. He not only opened his heart to the youth, he also had a penchant for caring for animals. In his spare time, he focused on landscaping projects around his home, and enjoyed many trips to the beaches of North Carolina, Block Island and Cape Cod.  

     He loved holidays, particularly Halloween and Christmas.  He could often be found dressed up on Halloween “scaring” the neighborhood children.  He and his family would cut down fresh Christmas trees every year.  He would spend hours setting up an elaborate Christmas village under the tree.

     Surviving are his wife Patricia Jones Ketchum, daughters: Suzanne (Larry Donovan) Ketchum of Lewes, DE, and Brooke (John) Grau of New Canaan, CT, son: E. Scott Ketchum of Shokan and former daughter-in-law Lisa Ketchum. Five grandchildren: Mara, Conor, Emma, Nick, and Katerina.  He was predeceased by grandson Evan.  Berton was also predeceased by all of his siblings: Joan Rowlands, Elleen Russell, Alfred and Eugene Ketchum. 

     A Spring '22 Memorial Celebration of his life will be announced.  The family suggests memorials to honor his life be directed to the Olive Rescue Squad.  You may share a special memory or condolence with the family on Berton's Tribute Wall at gormleyfuneralhome.com .  Arrangements are under the direction of the E. B. Gormley Funeral Home, 87 Main St. Phoenicia.

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