Kenneth Pokorny

1911 - 2004 Kenneth W. Pokorny, age 93, a longtime Herkimer resident entered into eternal rest on Thursday afternoon, April 29, 2004 in Mohawk Valley Nursing Home, Ilion. He was born on April 21, 1911 in New York City, NY a son of the late Edward and Leta (Seyffer) Pokorny and was educated in Bronx schools. He has resided in the Herkimer area since 1956. A veteran of World War II, he served with the U.S. Army and received an honorable discharge on November 13, 1945. He served our country during campaigns that took place in Ardennes, Central Europe, Normandy, Northern France and Rhineland. He served with Company H and the 355th Infantry. He received the European, African and Middle Eastern Service Medal along with the Good Conduct Medal. On November 25, 1936, Ken joined hands in marriage with the former Margaret Harney in Yonkers. Prior to Margaret's passing on April 19, 2002, the couple shared a 65-year relationship characterized by their abiding love and sincere respect for one another, they were truly an inspiring example to their family, to their friends and to all who knew them. Together they enjoyed the surroundings of family life. Before Ken's tenure with the Partlow Corporation, New Hartford where he was employed as a purchasing agent he held employment with UNIVAC. Ken was an honorary 25-year member of the Herkimer Elk's Lodge. It was here where he loved to share stories and be in the camaraderie of his friends. He enjoyed his membership with the Lodge until failing he alth allowed him from doing so. Ken's foremost priority in life was his family. Deeply and dependably committed to his loved ones, he was their support, their role model and their inspiration. The wisdom of his guidance and his advice was securely rooted in his own wide-ranging knowledge and experience. He always looked and appreciated the goodness in other people and the positive of any situation. He will be most remembered for his love of the game of golf which was a lifelong hobby. Ken loved to share his "hole in one" story that took place on the Wood's Hole golf course in Massachusetts on August 9, 1957. He was proud to say that he attended the game at Yankee Stadium where Babe Ruth hit his first homerun. Herkimer residents will always remember Ken for his fun-loving personality and ability to tell a great story. He both earned and deserved the great pride he took in the many accomplishment's throughout his lifetime. Survivors include his son, Kenneth M. Pokorny of East Herkimer, a daughter Pamela A. Vandawalker and husband Roger J. of Ilion, five cherished grandchildren, Janice L. Fahy and husband Michael of East Herkimer, Kenneth M. Pokorny II of Hempstead, NC, Rebecca A. Vandawalker and husband Bert Rice of Albany, Melissa L. Vandawalker of Boston, Roger J. Vandawalker II of Ilion, four adored great grandchildren, Michael D. Fahy, Ryan M. Fahy, Ashley A. Fahy, and Brendan John Rice, many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by one sister, Ruth Pokorny. The family invites relatives and friends to pay their respects at the Holleran-Enea Funeral Home, 220 N. Washington St., Herkimer on Saturday, May 1, 2004 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Ken's funeral will commence at 12 p.m. in the chapel of the Holleran-Enea Funeral Home on Saturday morning, where prayer will be offered. Procession will follow to Calvary Cemetery, Herkimer where he will be laid to rest alongside his wife, Margaret. Kindly consider contributions in memory of Mr. Pokorny to the Mohawk Homestead or to Mohawk Valley Nursing Home, envelopes are available at the funeral home. The family would like to offer their deepest gratitude to all of those who took such loving care of Ken and offered much support to the family during his illness, especially mentioning his home caregivers, and the staffs at Mohawk Homestead and Mohawk Valley Nursing Home. Members of the Herkimer Elk's Lodge are asked to gather at the funeral home at 11 am on Saturday morning to conduct their service. For directions to the Funeral Home, click the link above.