Obituary of Kenneth W. Cope

Kenneth W. Cope, age 84, of Watkins Glen, NY, passed away on Tuesday, September 20, 2022, surrounded by loved ones. Ken was born on December 9, 1937, the son of Fred and Grace Cope of Beaver Dams, NY. He graduated from Odessa-Montour High School with the class of 1956. Upon graduation, Ken served in the U.S. Army through 1960. He retired as a sergeant for NYS Department of Corrections after 25 years of a long and fulfilling career. Ken was a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle. He was a well-versed poet, having one of his poems published in a national magazine. He loved spending time on Seneca Lake and the St. Lawrence River. Ken enjoyed fishing, refurbishing vintage boat motors, gardening, and tinkering in his workshop. Ken was a loyal NY Yankee fan. He enjoyed feeding and watching birds. He was a gentle soul whose unending compassion touched the lives of many. His unique sense of humor and easy ways gained him many friends. Everyone enjoyed his wit and pleasant company. He was an active member of St. Mary's of the Lake Church. Ken was predeceased by his parents, Fred and Grace Cope, and his sister, Doris Force-Huston. He is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Teresa Filippetti Cope; sons, Leonard Orr (Lisa), Malcolm "Duffy" Orr (Laurel), and Joel Mathews; sisters Arlene Cope Learn, June Cope Benjamin (Bob), and Sandra Cope Bates; granddaughters Jacquelyn Bubb (Keith) and Jennifer Bubb (Drew); great grandchildren Leah, Garrett, Eva, and Miles Bubb; and many nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank Seneca View Skilled Nursing staff for their thoughtful and professional care. Ken always had praise for the staff and made plenty of friends there. We would also like to thank Schuyler Hospital with a special thanks to Dr. Saks for his unwavering support. Family and friends are invited to a calling hour on Saturday, September 24th, 2022 from 10:00 to 11:00am at the St. Mary's of the Lake Church link. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00am. Burial with military honors will take place at 2:00pm at Holy Cross Cemetery in Watkins Glen, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Seneca View Skilled Nursing Facility.