Ilion - Kenneth J. Griffin, 69, passed away on February 25, 2017 with his longtime companion by his side. Kenneth was born on July 16, 1947, in Utica, the son of the late Kenneth W. and Shirley (Greenlees) Griffin. He began his education at the old New York Mills elementary school on Main Street. In 1955, he moved with his family to West Frankfort, NY, where he attended the Brockway Road School, the last one-room school house in Herkimer County, under the tutelage of the late Gladys Anderson and promised he would never forget this remarkable experience. He completed his education at the Frankfort-Schuyler Central High School in Frankfort, NY, and graduated fourth in his class in 1965. Kenneth attended the State University College at Potsdam, NY, from which he graduated in 1969 with a BA in biology and French literature. His academic career was characterized by quiet achievement. He began teaching science at the Dolgeville Central High School, in 1970, and then in the Syracuse area after beginning his graduate degree, and continued to take courses toward his Masters and Doctorate degrees. Kenneth realized his lifelong dream of studying in France when he enrolled in the University of Rennes' Summer Program, in St. Malo, in 1973, where he placed second in the Coursd'Ete. He left teaching, which was considered a less-than-rewarding experience, and moved to Cortland, NY, in 1976, where he worked at the Cortland County Planning Department as Human Resources Planner, the Village of McGray, NY, as Director of Community Development, and the Cortland Housing Authority as Housing Project Coordinator and Assistant to the Executive Director. In 1991, Kenneth was appointed Executive Director of the Herkimer Housing Authority, a position that he held until his retirement in 2005. During his tenure at the Herkimer Housing Authority, he served as president of the Central New York Housing Authorities for several years and as a board member of the New York State Public Housing Authority Directors Association. Kenneth lived too much in his own thoughts and labors to adapt to the demand of friendship, although he did count several people as close friends. Kenneth is survived by his longtime companion and domestic partner, Michael J. Hundertmark. Kenneth wished to extend a special thank you to the compassionate and caring staff of Bassett Heathcare in Cooperstown, NY, with very special thanks to Drs. Erin McKay and Charles Hyman, and Hospice. At the deceased's request, there will be no calling hours. Cremation was handled by the V.J. Iocovozzi Funeral Home in Frankfort, NY. Those wishing to make a contribution in Kenneth's memory, please consider donations to the Chamber Music Society of Utica or the American Orchid Society.