HOPEWELL JUNCTION – Kenneth V. Spiro, 84, an area resident since 1960, died on Tuesday, May 5, 2015 at his home.
Born in Staten Island, New York on April 10, 1931, Ken was the son of Max and Susan (Rourke) Spiro and he was a graduate of St. Peter’s High School. Ken proudly served our country in the US Air Force during the Korean War and was stationed in Occupied Japan. Ken was employed by the New York State Police for 35 years until his retirement in 1991 as a Zone Sergeant. He spent his rookie year in Monroe, and then, Lowville, New York; but the majority of his career was spent in Troop K, serving in Putnam Valley, Dover Plains, Fishkill, Stormville, and at Troop K Headquarters in Poughkeepsie. During his tenure with the New York State Police, Ken proudly wore his uniform as he managed upwards of 100 troopers, as well as being designated as the Public Information Officer, a pioneering role at the time. In these capacities, he proved his ongoing commitment to serving the public and assuring the safety and dedication of the Troopers under his command. Finally, he ended his career serving in the ranks of the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigations. Ken maintained membership with the Association of Former New York State Troopers.
Ken married Elizabeth Clark on July 21, 1954 at St. Paul’s Church in New Brighton, Staten Island and they had celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary prior to her death on September 13, 2014. In addition to his wife and parents, he also was predeceased by his daughter, Marie V. Spiro Gleason; and his sisters, Annette Shields and Marion Ciardiello. Ken is survived by his children, Elizabeth S. Spiro-Carman, Kenneth V. Spiro Jr. and his wife Barbara, and Stephen T. Spiro; six grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9pm at, 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 10am at St. Columba Church, 835 Route 82, Hopewell Junction followed by interment in the family plot in Stanford Cemetery, where he will receive full New York State Police and military honors.
Memorial donations may be made to the New York State Trooper Signal 30 Fund (www.signal30.org).
