Obituaries

Kenneth McCrary

Former East End resident Kenneth McCrary died at his home in Burbank, Wash., April 30, 2014, following a long but valiant struggle with lung disease. Ken was 74.  

He was born in New York City Dec. 5, 1939, to Kenneth and Kathryn (Conboy) McCrary. From his dad, he learned to appreciate the beauty of nature as well as become and avid hunter. Ken graduated from St. Agnes High School in Rockville Centre and went on to receive his pharmacy degree from St. John’s University.

After fulfilling his military obligations in the U.S. Army, Ken married Valerie DeMarco and they were blessed with three children. Ken worked at various area pharmacies before finding a “home” at Eastern Long Island Hospital in Greenport and becoming its director of pharmacy. While there, he met and married his second wife, Susan (Salmon) Greene of Southold. Ken joined the Veterans Administration in 1988, working as pharmacy staff and supervisor in Northport, Birmingham, Ala., and Walla Walla, Wash.

Ken and Susan loved the outdoors and enjoyed exploring the United States and visiting national parks. Alaska and Yellowstone had special appeal, with their indescribable beauty and wildlife encounters.

Ken was predeceased by his sisters, Jeanne Hubner, Elizabeth Tuttle and Kay Fitzpatrick. In addition to his wife, Ken is survived by his children, Michael McCrary of Massachusetts, Christopher (Denise) McCrary of Port Jefferson Station, and Ellen (Robert) Van Loan of Fairfield, Conn.; stepchildren, Carol (Paul) Ansberry of Reno, Nev., and Rich (Liz) Greene of Martinez, Calif.; as well as nine treasured grandchildren.

Services were private. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box, 50, Memphis, TN 38101. Susan may be reached at 334 Tuttle Lane, Burbank, WA 99323.

This is a paid notice.