Kensel A. McClenathan, Jr.

Kensel A. McClenathan, Jr., of Seneca Falls, passed peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on Monday, December 30th, 2024, the day of his 57th wedding anniversary, after suffering several strokes and battling lung cancer.

Ken was born in Syracuse, New York on December 24th (Christmas Eve), 1943, to the late Kensel Sr. and Anne McClenathan. Survived by his “HEART HUGGING” wife, Mary Anna (Davis) McClenathan; wonderful daughters, Amber (Todd) Marvin and Alana (Eric) Nowicki; awesome grandchildren who he couldn’t stop bragging about, Rory and Brielle Nowicki; his loving sister, Helaine (David) Feikert; many nieces, nephews and countless friends and loved ones. He was predeceased by his brother and sister-in-law, Roger and Donna McClenathan.

Ken graduated from Findlay High School in Ohio, Auburn Community College and later SUNY Cortland. During his time at Cortland, Ken played baseball and threw a no-hitter; a record he was quite proud of, that stood for many years.

Ken was very proud to be a veteran after being drafted in 1966 and becoming 1st Lieutenant with the Army Security Agency (ASA), working in military intelligence in South Korea during the Vietnam War.

After living for a while in Auburn, New York, where he was the resident manager of the Auburn Inn, and later moving to Liverpool, New York, he settled in Seneca Falls, taking employment with Rochester Liquor/Eber Brother Corporation as a sales representative.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, he enjoyed high school umpiring, was an avid fan of Syracuse basketball, but mostly football, having held season tickets for many years at the Dome. He loved the NY Yankees and the Buffalo Bills, making it a point to DVR all their games, even if he was attending in person.

He was a member of the Seneca Falls Country Club for many years where he enjoyed harassing his golf buddy friends and participating in many fund-raising tournaments. Being fortunate enough to be able to vacation in Cape Canaveral, FL for the last 12+ years he met even more friends including a few from Canada with whom he played golf and walked the beach.

He was a great cook, known amongst family and friends for his specialties, including, baby-back ribs, prime rib, and beer chicken; dishes he was asked frequently on how to make.

The family would like to thank the Syracuse VA and all of its affiliates, Seneca Family Health Center staff, University of Rochester home care, therapists, and hospice staff, his Heart Hugging Angel Friends (you know who you are), and wonderful neighbors for their care and thoughtfulness.

A funeral mass at St. Patrick’s Church in Seneca Falls, burial in New York State Veterans Cemetery – Finger Lakes (formerly Sampson) in Romulus, and celebration of life gathering will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Seneca Falls Elks Lodge 992, 2221 River Road, Seneca Falls, NY 13148, Kirk Casey American Legion Post 366, 48 State Street, Seneca Falls, NY 13148, Cyrus Garnsey VFW Post 1323, 47 Fall Street, Seneca Falls, NY 13148, or the St. Francis and St. Clare Parish, 35 Center Street, Waterloo, NY 13165.