STANFORDVILLE - With a crack of a bat and the roar of the crowd, Kenneth P. Straley, 65, joined his team in Heaven on Wednesday, April 13, 2011.

A life long area resident, he grew up in Wappingers Falls, lived in Saugerties and raised his family in Stanfordville.

Born in Poughkeepsie on May 10, 1945, he was the son of the late Frank and Charlotte Ronk Straley. A 1964 graduate of Roy C. Ketcham High School, he excelled at football and track including Section 9 shot put and discus. Ken was employed as a Computer Operator Specialist at IBM in Kingston and Poughkeepsie for 30 years until his retirement in 1995. He was a member of the IBM Quarter Century Club. After his retirement, he did many woodworking projects and he especially loved creating doll furniture for the 18" doll.

Ken was a member of the New Hackensack Fire Company and Tri-Mountain Squares, Pine Plains. He was a 35 year member of Stanford Grange #808 where he served on the Executive Committee and a member of the Pomona Grange. He was the treasurer for Mended Hearts Chapter 193, Ulster County and a member of Mended Hearts Chapter 5, Poughkeepsie. Ken was a member of the Unionvale Seniors. The Straleys were also a Fresh Air Fund Family for 5 years.

Ken enjoyed fishing and hunting with his best buddy Joe, nephew Dave, Big John, great niece Kristine and grandson Thomas; however, above all, he was an avid sportsman and fan. He played on many softball teams in Dutchess County and bowling teams in Dutchess and Ulster Counties. He competed and always medaled in the Empire State Games and Empire State Senior Games in the Masters Division for Shot Put and Discus for 20 years, the World Games in Buffalo and the National Games in Florida and Arizona. He was a record holder in some age groups. He was inducted into the Coach Macrini Hall of Fame and the Elks Club Hall of Fame in 2002. He could often be seen at the Pine Plains games cheering on his daughters and more recently his nieces and grandchildren.

On April 25, 1965 at St. Denis Church in Hopewell Junction, Ken married Dolores Centorani who survives at home.

He is also survived by his daughters, Brenda Straley and her life partner Leah of San Diego, CA, Sherry Brochu and her husband John of Shaftsbury, VT, Lisa Pietrzak and her husband Joe of Bennington, VT, Darcy Lyle and her husband Allen of Petersburgh, and Dina Hernandez O'Hagan, our "Fresh Kid" from the city; his grandchildren, Krystianna, Thomas and Aaron Pietrzak, Samantha Amy Lyle; his brother, Charles Straley of Wappingers Falls; his twin brother, Kerry Straley and his wife Marlene of Myrtle Beach, SC; his sisters-in-law, Gail Anderson and Marti Straley; his father-in-law, Anthony Centorani and his wife Helen; his brother-in-law, Robert Centorani and his wife Leslie; his brother-in-law, David Centorani; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and close friends.

He was predeceased by his granddaughter, Josephine Pietrzak; his sister, Margaret Straley; and his brothers, Frank, Joe, Robert, Lee and Harry Straley.

Ken was looking forward to our son-in-law Al driving us to our place in Tennessee but ended up in the hospital instead.

Ken was happiest living next to his twin brother Kerry and his wife Marlene at our camp site in Camp Waubecka.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, May 7, 2011 from 9 to 11 am at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. The Funeral Service will follow at 11 am.

In lieu of flowers, a scholarship fund is being established in Ken's name at Pine Plains Central School. The annual scholarship will be given to a graduating senior who embodies true sportsmanship and demonstrates a passion to excel in his or her sport. Memorial Donations may be made payable to: PPCS - Ken Straley Scholarship Fund, c/o Pine Plains Central School, Route 199, Pine Plains, NY 12567.

For driving directions, online condolences, or memorial donations, please visit www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.