Kenneth E. Dack, Jr.

Kenneth “Ken” E. Dack, Jr., age 89, formerly of Shull St., Ilion, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Sitrin Health Care Center, New Hartford, with his family by his side.

He was born on May 14, 1936, in Mohawk, the son of Kenneth E. Dack, Sr. and Marion “Betty” (Kennedy) Dack. Ken graduated from Ilion High School in 1955 and was a Veteran of the U.S. Army, serving from 1955 – 1961. He was married to Priscilla “Kitty” Cormier on January 4, 1958, in Gardner, Mass. She passed away on September 26, 2016.

Ken worked as a purchasing agent, at UNIVAC and Mohawk Data Sciences until his retirement. Ken was also employed part-time for over 60 years at C.J. Applegate & Sons, Inc. Funeral Home. In addition, he also worked part-time at Warner’s Men Shop, Midtown Pontiac and was a real estate agent for Century 21 Yankee Trader.

Ken was a dedicated member of The Ilion Elks Lodge #1444 since 1960. He served numerous roles in the B.P.O.E. including Past Exalted Ruler, Past State Vice President, Past District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler, Past N.Y.S. Elks Association Trustee, N.Y.S. Elks Association Sargent at Arms and was elected Elk of the Year in 2004.

Ken also served as a Village of Ilion Trustee, President of the Ilion Republican Party and was a member of the Church of the Annunciation.

Surviving family members include his son, Michael Dack and his wife, Lisa (Waterford, NY); his daughters, Michele Wilson and her husband, Dave (East Alton, Il), and Kelly (Dack) Swienton (Ilion); his seven grandchildren, Jennifer Lankford, and her husband Chad; Christopher Swienton and his wife, Julianne; Julie Parnell; Paul Dack and his wife, Katie; Stephanie LeClaire and her husband, Geoffrey; Michael Swienton and his wife, Brittany; and Samantha Cardinal and her husband, Jake. His Great-Grandchildren, Jude, Grant and Arabel Lankford; Parker and Jackson Parnell; Abigail and Christopher Swienton; Ariana LeClaire; and Everly and Madeline Cardinal. Also survived by his sister, Linda Iamele, as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors, and special friends.

Ken was predeceased by his parents; three brothers, William, Richard, and Donald Dack; and his brother-in-law, Dave Iamele.

The family would like to express their sincerest gratitude to the staff of the Charles T. Sitrin Medical Center, especially the staff at the “Hickory House”, as well as the numerous caregivers who assisted him over the last few years.

Ken was always the life of the party with his kind heart and jovial spirit. Patriotism and music were his passion. His love for the flag and the pomp and circumstance surrounding it. His love for music was so evident as he was able to name the song, the performer and sing the lyrics for nearly every song that came on his Alexa.

Of all the titles Ken held, he was most proud of the titles of Husband, Dad, Paw Paw Ken, Papa Ken, GPA and Grand Pooba.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., at the Applegate-Day & Enea Family Funeral Home’s original location, at 102 West Street, Ilion. Immediately following visitation, a special Elks Service will be held by members of the Old Central District, followed by a Celebration of Life.

Ken’s Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, February 5, 2026, at the Church of the Annunciation, West Street, Ilion, with Father Terence Healy officiating, assisted by Deacon James Bower. Burial will be held later this spring at Armory Hill Cemetery, Ilion.

Anyone wishing to share a memory of Ken, or add to his online memorial may go to www.applegateandday.com on the Internet.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Ilion Elks Lodge #1444 Veteran’s Committee Fund, 8 West Street, Ilion, New York 13357, or a charity of your choice. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Ken’s funeral arrangements were prearranged and entrusted to the Applegate Funeral Home, where Ken worked for over sixty years, since he was thirteen years old and was considered family, by Funeral Director, Don Applegate, assisted by his wife, Judy Applegate.