Obituary of Kenneth R. Shay

Kenneth R. Shay Kenneth R. Shay of Wappingers Falls entered into rest Monday, April 19, 2010 at home. He was 79. Son of the late Kenneth and Grace Smith Shay, he was born on November 18, 1930 in Wappingers Falls. He married the love of his life, Elizabeth Merz on January 18, 1975 in St. Mary's Church in Fishkill; Mrs. Shay survives at home in Wappingers Falls. Ken proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War. During his service he received several decorations including the National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with three stars, United Nations Service Medal and most notably, a Purple Heart. Mr. Shay was a mail carrier for many years for the United States Postal Service in Wappingers Falls, until his retirement. Ken also was a volunteer firefighter for the New Hamburg Fire Company. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #1646 in Wappingers Falls, Fourth Degree, and a member of the VFW in Wappingers Falls. In his spare time, Ken had a love of the outdoors, spending much of his time in his garden. In his younger years, he loved to hunt and fish. Ken was also a devout parishioner of St. Columba Church in Hopewell Junction. In addition to his wife, Betty, Ken is survived by his sister, Mildred Garnot of Glenham; his sister-in-law, Agnes Taylor of Wappingers Falls; his niece and nephew, whom he was like a father to, Patty Smith of Esopus, and Michael Taylor and his wife, Christine of Wappingers Falls; nephews, Kevin Garnot and his wife, Stacia of Pennsylvania, and Frank Garnot and his wife, Pam of Glenham; niece, Grace Orzeck and her husband, Phillip of Connecticut; and several cousins. Ken was predeceased by his brother John "Jack" Shay. Family will receive their friends on Wednesday, April 21, 2010 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Straub, Catalano & Halvey Funeral Home, 55 East Main Street, Wappingers Falls, NY, 12590. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Thursday, April 22, 2010 at 10 a.m. at St. Columba Church, 849 Route 82 in Hopewell Junction. Interment will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Clinton Street in Wappingers Falls. For directions to the funeral home or to send a personal condolence, please visit our website at www.StraubCatalanoHalvey.com.