It is with great sadness that I write to inform the college community of the passing of William Kono, father of associate professor Marina Gore.
William Kono, 77, of Troy, NY died peacefully on March 20, 2016 after a brave, seven-year battle with cancer. Born and raised in Berdiansk, Ukraine, he was a devoted family man who was always generous with his time and energy. He spent the first half of his life in the Ukraine as a research scientist and the second half as a structural engineer for the State of New York. He brought insight, creativity and decisiveness to all his endeavors. He loved life, thoughtful conversation, food, classical music, and most of all, his family. He was a man of numerous accomplishments who overcame many obstacles, not the least of which was taking the incredibly brave step of moving his family from the Soviet Union to the United States. He taught his family how to stay true to their principles and to persevere in attaining goals. Those who knew him will miss his good advice, dependability, humor, quick mind and willingness to help. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Dora Kono; his son, Eugene Kono, and daughter-in-law Nancy Kono; his daughter Marina Gore, son-in-law Aaron Gore, and grandson, Alex Gore. The family will have a private ceremony at home. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in his name to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or to the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society.
Published: Wed, 30 Mar 2016 19:30:02 +0000 by k.lewis