Kenneth W. Umlauft

October 11, 1946 - December 20, 2018

SAUGERTIES – Kenneth W. Umlauft passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Thursday, December 20, 2018, at HealthAlliance Hospital in Kingston, NY. He was 72 years old. Ken was born on October 11, 1946, in the Bronx. He graduated from Saint Nicholas of Tolentine High School in 1965 and Biscayne College (St. Thomas University) in Miami, FL, in 1971. He secured a Social Studies teaching position and football, basketball, and baseball coaching positions at Monsignor Edward Pace High School in Miami and proudly guided the varsity baseball team to state championships in his first and final seasons there. Ken also met his future wife, Theresa, an English teacher at Pace. After moving back north, Ken first became an Assistant Principal at Our Lady of Lourdes High School in Poughkeepsie and later returned to teaching Freshman Global Studies until his retirement. Throughout Ken’s life, he had a strong work ethic. After retiring from teaching, Ken worked part-time at Buono Funeral Service, Inc where he was honored to serve his community. Passionate about life, Ken lived each day to the fullest. He was always ready to talk, entertain, or provide a shoulder to lean on, with a story to tell. Ken valued his German and Irish heritage and was a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. A loyal member of the Knights of Columbus, Ken was a Past Grand Knight, Saugerties Council #4536, a Past Faithful Navigator, Saugerties Assembly 775, and a Past Color Corp Commander. The Knights were like family to Ken and he cherished the time he spent with them. As a life-long sports fanatic, Ken enthusiastically watched baseball (go Yankees!) and college football, especially Notre Dame. An avid golfer, Ken enjoyed playing with his friends immensely on the green. Whether hanging out at the Knights, cheering for his favorite sports team, or swinging his club on the course, Ken was always the life of the party. A gentler side of Ken was found at home with Theresa, his best friend and wife of 36 years. Ken and Theresa enjoyed the simplicities of their life together, such as listening to music in the back yard, admiring the birds, gardening, and watching Jeopardy. Each year, they looked forward to their summer vacation in Ocean City, NJ, with their children and grandchildren. A man of deep faith, Ken prayed the Chaplet of Divine Mercy with Theresa at the 3 o’clock hour. In addition to his wife, Theresa, Ken is survived by his son, Sean, and his wife, Jennifer, his daughter, Michelle Quick, and her husband, Ryan, and his daughter, Marie Kelly, and her husband, Dan. He is also survived by four grandchildren whom he adored: Caleb and Audrey Quick, Rachel Kelly, and Zachary Umlauft. Ken was predeceased by his mother, Dorothy; his father, Curtis; his brothers, Curtis and Richard; and his infant son, Kyle Kenneth. Funeral services will be held at Buono Funeral Service, Inc. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, December 27, from 3 PM to 7 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Immaculate Conception Church in Kingston on Friday, December 28, at 11 AM, the procession will form 10:00 AM at Buono Funeral Service, Inc. Interment will follow in Saint Mary of the Snow Cemetery in Saugerties. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Immaculate Conception Parish for Masses for Ken.