Ken Riek, 68 of Endicott, NY, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Saturday December 21, 2024. Ken was an easy-going guy who everyone liked and respected. He was a quiet man who listened and advised without judging. Because of his calm demeanor, he was known to many as “Big Easy”. He always had an answer for everything- “Yep!”, especially as a part time bartender at his second home, The Russian Club. That was his favorite place to socialize with his many friends and new acquaintances. Ken graduated from Newark Valley Central School in 1975. He moved to Endicott during that year and worked at Harris Food Lines as well. He had various jobs before settling at IBM and continued with EIT and I3 as a Solution Maintenance Technician. After retirement he drove delivery for Nanticoke Gardens. Ken loved NASCAR racing, and he actually drove stock cars on dirt tracks for years. He also loved The Yankees and The NY Giants. His greatest love was outdoors. He enjoyed cutting down trees and splitting firewood for campfires at his camper on Lake Timberline. He enjoyed yearly fishing trips to Canada with his nephew Dan Mead and buddy Dennis Leonard. Hunting with his nephew Dan was something he always looked forward to. His only real hobby was making moonshine and sharing it with his friends. It was awesome!
Ken leaves behind his beloved wife of 31 years, Sue. He was her everything, her rock, her sounding board, and soul mate. Besides his wife, Ken will be sorely missed by his two stepchildren, Anthony Fendick (Tina and Cora), CO, and Jacqueline Fendick of Binghamton. Ken raised them as his own from when they were young children to adults. He is also survived by his sisters, Judith Mead, Florida, Joanne Woods (Bill), Owego, Paula Litzel, Newark Valley and Martha Walter, Endwell. He had many nephews that he loved dearly, especially Dan Mead, Florida and Keven Riek (Darcie), Owego, who were like brothers to him. Other nephews include Ben Walter, Luke Walter (Jessica), Brett Walter (Angela) and Ryan-Seth Walter (Ashley) all of Newark Valley. Many more nieces, nephews and cousins too many to mention. He loved them all. His nephews fondly nicknamed him “Deputy Denim” you can guess why!
Visitation will be at The Leon Pucedo Funeral Home, Inc. 1905 Watson Blvd. Endicott, NY on Saturday December 28th from 2 – 4 PM. In lieu of flowers, please plant a tree in his name to replace the ones he chopped down in his lifetime.
A celebration of life will be held at his favorite place, The ACRC – Russian Club 1006 Watson Blvd. Endicott, NY 13760 on Saturday January 4th from 2 – 6 PM.