Kenneth "Kenny" I. Christopher

Kenneth I. (Kenny) Christopher of Endicott, Whitney Point, and Lisle, passed away on December 10, 2020 after suffering with dementia for over 8 years. Born April 30, 1931, predeceased by his son Rick L. Christopher in October 2006; his parents Lee and Marion (Romeo) Christopher; his brothers and sister: Lee, Jim, and Gertrude; Mother and Father-in-law Mike & Julia Zopp; brothers and sister in law: Mike Zopp, Jr. Willard Grubham, Glen and Helen Bennett. Survived by his wife, Dorothy (Zopp); daughter Cynthia Lawrence (Richard); daughter-in-law Michele Christopher (Rick); brother and sister in law Thomas and June Zopp; Grandchildren: Richelle Lawrence, Gail Bigelow (Arin), and Aaron Christopher; Great-Granddaughter Evalyn & Great-grandson Ean Bigelow.

Ken retired from I.B.M. in 1990 after 34 years of service. He began his career in 1957 as a trucker working under the McKinley Ave. Viaduct where materials were stored, along with his co-workers known as the “Goon Gang.” From there he became a technician in the Endicott Power plant when the plant changed from coal-fired boilers to oil. Ken worked alongside Jim Matthews of Johnson Control setting up the new control center. After months working alongside Jim, he knew the control center inside and out, you could ask him anything and he knew the answer. After completing this task, Ken later became Manager of the Power Plant, and other areas. Ken retired in that position in 1990.

Boating in the St. Lawrence and snowmobiling with his children and friends were favorite pastimes. Ken spent his time after retiring building and remodeling homes, which kept us on the move every 10 or 12 years. For 10 years the winters were spent in Zephyr hills, Fla. But when he started getting sick, we had no choice but to suffer the winters up north. After he developed his dementia, he could no longer do anything, and remembered no one. He didn’t enjoy television or reading (which he loved to do) as words meant nothing to him anymore, which made for a very silent life. It’s sad to see a man who could do everything no longer able to do anything. Ken did one more good deed in his life by donating his body to science in hopes that cures for diabetes, dementia, cancer, deafness and heart problems could be found. 

Ken was a member of the Operating Engineers, IBM Quarter Century Club, Ridge Riders Snowmobile Club, and the Northern Broome Senior Center, which we enjoyed very much. We remember him for his kindness and great smile, which never left his face. His wishes were that there are to be no calling hours or memorial service. Pray for him in your own way! Rest in peace, Ken, you deserve it! “You can now be with your son again.”

Love Dorothy and family

OOPS- Sorry Ken, Because of Covid, Science Care will not accept you, you tried. On January 20, 2021 Ken and Dorothy would have been married 70 years.

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