Kenneth John Beck

Kenneth (Ken) John Beck of Ellenville, N.Y. died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on May 4, 2025.  He was 89 years old.

Ken was born on September 7, 1935, in Buffalo, N.Y. and was a proud Ellenville resident for most of his life.  Known affectionately by many as “Coach”, Ken was deeply involved in the community.  He was active in numerous local organizations, including the Noonday Club (past president), the Elks Club, the Shawangunk Country Club (past president), and the American Field Services (AFS) Student Exchange program.  Before beginning his long tenure as a guidance counselor at Ellenville High School, he served on the Ellenville Central School District Board of Education (past president) while working as Vice President of Glusker-Emkay Sales in Ellenville.  During his tenure as a guidance counselor, he also was a coach for the Ellenville High School varsity football team - leading them to two league championships - and served as class advisor to numerous graduating classes.  Ken’s lifelong dedication to Ellenville High School and its students was recognized in 2018 when he was honored with a Distinguished Friend of Education Award from the Ulster County School Boards Association.  When not working or volunteering, Ken could be found on the golf course or a fishing boat, or cheering on the New York Giants and Yankees.  He also enjoyed playing cards and, in earlier years, bowled in the local league.

Ken was the son of the late Howard and Edna Beck.  He is survived by his children: Michael (Laura) Beck, Mark (Wendy) Beck and Melissa (Aaron) Mitchum; his granddaughter, Emily (Scott) Levi; his step-grandsons, Stosh and Matthew Lupinski; his great grandson, Andrew Levi; his brother-in-law, Stephen (Marjorie) Glusker; his nephew, Daniel (Bethany) Glusker; his niece, Dorothy (Philip) Horowitz; many great-nieces and nephews; and countless former players and students whom he considered family.  He was predeceased by his wife of 56 years, Joan Beck; his brother, Warren Beck; his nephew, Wayne Beck; and his grandson, Ethan Beck.  The family would like to express special thanks to his caregivers - Norma Wood, Courtney Boncek, and Ulvi Peendja - who made the last 18 months of his life more comfortable.

Per Ken’s wishes, no funeral service will be held.  Instead, in celebration of his love for a good party, the family invites you all to a celebration of his life on June 1, from 12 to 3 PM in the garden at Aroma Thyme Bistro in Ellenville, N.Y. 

To honor Ken’s memory and his lifelong service to the Ellenville Central School District and community, the family is expanding the scholarship currently in Joan’s name.  In lieu of flowers, contributions to the scholarship fund can be sent to: Joan Beck Memorial Scholarship Fund, LLC, P.O. Box 431, Ellenville, N.Y. 12428.

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