ILION-Mr. Kenneth R. “Ken” Larson, 66, of Armory Street, passed away on Tuesday evening, April 21, 2009 in Yale/New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT surrounded by his loving family members, following a long illness. He was born in Waukegan, Illinois, son of the late Kenneth F. and Geraldine May (Nelson) Larson and educated in schools in Waukegan, Illinois. He furthered his education graduating with an associate’s degree in electronics from Mohawk Valley Community College. On July 23, 1966 in Sherrill, NY Kenneth was joined in marriage with the former Barbara Coombs in St. Helena’s Catholic Church with whom he has shared 42 years of companionship and mutual commitment as well as a lifetime of love. A Veteran of the US Airforce, Kenneth began his tour of duty on September 6, 1961 and was honorably discharged on September 3, 1965 from Griffiss Air Force Base in Rome, over four years of dedicated service to his country. Mr. Larson held the position of Dialysis Bio-Med Technician with Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare, retiring in 2007 bringing to his employment a loyal attitude , a dedicated commitment and a personal aptitude for his work, he created and maintained a fulfilling and productive career until his retirement. Ken attended the Oak Ridge Free Methodist Church. He also was a former member of the Ilion Jay Cee’s. Kenneth was a huge Chicago Bear’s fan and enjoyed sports in general. He maintained his affiliation with sports refereeing Ilion AYSO Soccer and was a Little League baseball coach in Ilion. He loved the outdoors and was a member of the Appalachian Trail Club. In his spare time he liked fly fishing and leather crafting. A generous and caring man, Ken was always ready to assist those who needed a hand. He was a well-respected man and consequently a man of honor. Never one to boast of his achievements, he was unassuming and humble in his attitude toward life and even during his illness. His gentle ways were a sign of his kind-hearted nature. One of Ken’s life highlights was his trip to Italy last spring which loved to talk about and many special times were spent with his family at the Rhode Island beach houses. He also treasured the times spent with his puppy, Payton. Mr. Larson will always be loved an honored by all who knew him. He leaves his loving family; his wife: Barbara of Ilion; his children: Kenneth E. Larson and wife Lorraine of Mt. View, Ca., Holly Garlock and husband Bruce of Ashburnham, Mass, Tracy Squatrito and husband Sergio of Manchester, Ct., Heidi Nardone and husband Corey of New Haven, Ct., Paul Larson of Illion and Rebecca Larson of S. Windsor, Ct; a brother: William Larson of Waukegan, Illinois; a sister: Andrea Larson of DeKalb, Illinois; six cherished grandchildren: Abigail, Giuliana, Sylvia, Lydia, Olivia, and Amelia; in laws: Edward Coombs and wife Marilyn of Ogdensburg and Raymond Coombs and wife Pat of Herkimer; many nieces, nephews and cousins. He is also survived by numerous dear friends. The family will receive relatives and friends at the Enea Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, between Ilion and Frankfort, 894-8000 on Friday, April 24, 2009 from 5-7 p.m. The funeral will commence at 1 :30 p.m. on Saturday, April 25, 2009 from the chapel of the funeral home with the Rev. Tommy Dennis, pastor of Oak Ridge Free Methodist Church, officiating. Procession will follow to Armory Hill Cemetery, Ilion where he will be laid to rest. Full military honors will be offered by the U.S. Air Force. Memorial offerings may be made to the Herkimer County Humane Society or to the Leukemia Foundation; envelopes may be obtained at the funeral parlor. The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the caring staff of Yale/New Haven Hospital, all of whom offered the invaluable support of their care, compassion and concern. These professionals offered not only professional guidance, but caring friendships as well. Arrangements are in care of Daniel J. Enea, funeral director.