Kenneth J. Midura

Boonville, NY -- Kenneth John Midura, 86, of Boonville, NY, the husband of Phyllis, passed away on Friday, September 17, 2021, at Sunset Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center located in Boonville, where he was surrounded by the loving care of his family. Ken was born in Utica, NY on November 4, 1934. He is the son of Martin and Katherine Midura. He received his education at Kernan School in Utica, NY and later attended Utica Trade School through 10th grade. He was forced to conclude his formal education in order to enter the workforce. In 1954, he began his service to his country in the U S Army. He immediately served in the Korean Conflict as an Army mechanic specializing in tank retrieval near the northern part of South Korea. His tour ended in February, 1957 and he finished his enlistment at Fort Polk, LA. He was honorably discharged on January 31, 1962. Ken's first marriage ended in Divorce. Then, on September 16, 1972, he was united in marriage to Phyllis S. Duda Waszkiewicz in Niagara Falls, NY. The couple resided in Deer Spring Park (on Kayuta Lake) in Remsen, NY. Upon Ken's retirement, they placed a new home on East Schuyler Street in Boonville, NY where they resided for many years. Mr. Midura was a proud member of the Iron Workers' Union Local #440 in Utica, NY. For most of his career, he was superintendent for all steel erection for Rome Iron Mills. He later was employed as a Rigging Foreman, for many years at Rig All, Inc. in Utica, NY. Ken's work ethic and knowledge of the business was amazing. He was well respected in the industry. He took great pride in being a part of the construction of Adirondack Senior High School in Boonville, NY; Kraft in Lowville, NY; Reynolds Aluminum in Massena, NY; the Eisenhower Locks in Massena, NY; Kodak in Rochester, NY and many, many more. He was instrumental in rigging Boonville's Covered Bridge for placement with the heavy cranes that Rig All, Inc., donated to the project in 2005. Ken retired from Rig All, Inc., in July of 1996. Affectionately known as "Pa", Ken was a dedicated volunteer for the NYS Woodsmen's Field Days, Inc. for over 30 years; a volunteer for the American Cancer Society's North Country Relay for Life for over 13 years; a past volunteer for the North Country Toe Path Trekkers and the Boonville Black River Canal Museum. He was also a member of the American Legion of Boonville, NY and he was an usher at St. Patrick's Church in Forestport, NY. He loved fishing, the Adirondacks and spending time with his family. Ken is survived by his son Kenneth Midura Jr. and daughter Lori Wilkie, both of Clarksville, TN; three step daughters: Debi (Ed) Ryder, Linda (Bob)Lee, Phyllis White (Rick Gaetano) all of Boonville, NY; four grandsons, Justin and Brandon Williams of Clarksville, TN; Glen (Melissa) Muha, and Jeff (Christina)Muha of Boonville, NY; four great grandsons, Alexander, Andrew, Garrett and Graham Muha of Boonville, NY; and Christel Tannery, affectionately known as daughter #5. He was pre-deceased by his late wife Phyllis and their infant son William Kenneth; his parents Martin & Katherine, his stepfather William Cmela, brothers Donald and Floyd and past son-in-law William J. Muha. He will be sadly missed by the Rogers' Coffee shop crew that gathered weekly on Varick Street in Utica, NY and the Sunday Breakfast Pizza Group that met after church in Alder Creek, NY. Pa considered all of them as family. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial at St. Patrick's Church in Forestport, NY at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, September 25, 2021, where Rev. Matthew Rawson, pastor will officiate. Internment with Military honors from Charles J. Love Post American Legion, Harland J. Hennessey Post V.F.W. and The Tun Tavern Marine Corps League, all of Boonville, will immediately follow in St. Patrick's Cemetery in Forestport, NY. There will be no calling hours. Ken's family will visit and receive callers after the service at St. Patrick's Church. Arrangements are in the care of Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. of Boonville, NY. Those so desiring, please consider a donation to the winter fuel fund for St. Patrick's Church in Forestport, NY, C/O Christ Our Hope Catholic Community, 108 Charles St. Boonville, NY 13309. The family extends a heartfelt thank you to Pa's second family at Sunset Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Boonville, NY. During the pandemic, the staff, nurses, doctors and aides cared for Pa like he was their own family.