Kenneth A. Kanya

Ken passed away on October 6th, 2025.

Ken was born in Astoria, Queens, New York to Albert and Henrietta (Helstowski) Kanya on March 24th, 1947.

Ken went to Syracuse University and was in the R.O.T.C program. Upon graduation in 1968 with a B.S in finance, he served in Vietnam as a Lieutenant. When he returned to the states he served in Liverpool Army Reserves as Captain.

While living in Baldwinsville he raised Appaloosa horses and was President of the Empire Appaloosa Association. Ken was a lifelong Republican and served a term as Vice Chairman of the Republican Committee in the town of Van Buren.

Ken worked 46 years as a Financial Advisor and retired from Morgan Stanley in 2019. During his tenure, he served 10 years as a Branch Manager of Auburn and Skaneateles branch.

Ken’s two passions were fishing and golf. He would charter fishing boats on Lake Ontario to entertain his family, friends, and clients.

He went to Golf Smith School learning how to make golf clubs for 3 consecutive years in Austin, Texas.

Ken enjoyed donating the clubs he made for Churches, Organizations, and Benefits for their raffles.

Ken married the love of his life Linda in Maui, Hawaii in 1991. During their lifetime they traveled to many Islands and Countries.

Ken will always be remembered for his jokes, some of them were even funny.

Ken leaves behind his wife Linda, sister Alberta Kanya and his adopted family Morgan (Plass), husband Delton Joe, Davion and Jordan. Granddaughters Lea (Phillips) Wolff, LeeAnna Plass and Molly Phillips.

Great Grandchildren Preston and Emma Wolff and Harper Plass, sister-in-law Judy LaSalle and Terri Hardy and close friend Dennis Shaw, along with many cousins and friends.

Ken is with his parents, many aunts and uncles, cousins and friends playing golf. A Funeral Mass will be held Monday October 13, 2025 at 10 am in Sacred Heart Church with the Reverend Michael Brown as celebrant.

There will be calling hours on Sunday October 12, 2025 from 2-5 pm at Farrell’s Funeral Service Inc 84 South St Auburn NY.

The omission of flowers is suggested with nenorials going to either:

The Galisano Childrens Hospital, Box 3222 Syracuse NY 13220; or St. Jude’s Childrens Hospital Box 50 Memphis TN 38101; or The Finger Lakes SPCA 41 York St Auburn NY