LOCKPORT – Kenneth Hal McNitt, 69, of Lockport, NY passed away Saturday, Aug.16, 2014 at the place he loved most, his camp at McDonough Lake. Ken was born March 26, 1945 in Norwich, NY the son of the late Harold and Gloria (Downey) McNitt. He was a graduate of Tampa University in Fla. with a Masters Degree in economics.
Ken was a retired disabled Vietnam army veteran. He was a member of the special forces green berets and achieved the rank of Sergeant. Ken served in Vietnam from Dec. of 1967 until he was severly wounded in May of 1968. Sergeant Kenneth McNitt was awarded 3 purple hearts with one more pending, the Republic Vietnam Campaign Medal w/ Device, the Vietnam Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge and the Parachutist Badge.
Kenneth became a Maritime Captain and chartered his boat for many years living in the British and American Virgin Islands. He was a strong supporter of the constitution especially the second amendment. Ken was a gun safety instructor and a member of Scope and the NRA. He lived his life his way.
Ken loved his God, country, family and friends. He especially loved his dog and companion “Blondie”
Ken is survived by his 3 siblings; Sherry Silcox and husband Lacy LaMarr of Lockport, NY, Melodie Downey and husband Eugene of Braselton, GA and brother Tracy McNitt and wife Julie of Getzville, NY. Also surviving are nieces and nephews Tim Silcox, Jaysen Andrews, Jerika Allen, Amanda Sills, Ashley Andrew, Alexandra Downey, Arielle McNitt and Charis McNitt along with great nieces and nephews Jordan and Carter Silcox, Connor, Shannon, Ryan and Haley Andrews, Anaya and Janae Allen, Avery and Lexi Sills and Richard Andrews. Ken is also survived by his longtime friends Dennis Mauragis of Fla. and Pat Flynn of McDonough, NY who is caring for Ken’s dog Blondie.
A graveside service with military rites for Ken will be held on Sat., Sept. 13, at Noon from the Mt. Hope Cemetery of Norwich. There will be no calling hours.
Contributions in Ken’s memory may be made to the VFW Post #2782, 61-63 East Main St., Norwich, NY 13815 or to the American Legion Post #189, 29 Sheldon St., Norwich, NY 13815. This would be greatly appreciated by his family.
Arrangements are with the R.J.Fahy Funeral Home.