Obituary of Joseph Kikkert

Joseph Kikkert, a retired Sales Representative with Federal Paper Board and a former Scoutmaster with Boy Scout Troop #44 passed away in a tragic accident on May 18th, 2015. He was 72. He is survived by his wife Barbara, brother, Larry and his wife Pam, his sons Grant and Stephen and his daughter Kimberly, daughters- in-law, Jennifer and Allisa, grandson Adrian, nieces, Valerie & Maddy. The son of the late Adrian Kikkert and Maude Coles, he was born on October 1, 1942 while his dad served in the Pacific for the Coast Guard branch during WWII. He was born in Suffern, NY and grew up in New City, NY graduating High School at Clarkson High in New City, NY. He met his surviving wife Barbara through mutual friends just before the Christmas Holidays in 1967. They married April 12th, 1968 and eventually moved to Fort Montgomery before making a home in Florida, NY for 40 years. He worked from a very young age at Cropsey's Farms in New City, NY, running farm equipment long before he could drive. He found work at Continental Can in Piedmont, NY before being promoted to a Sales Accounts Manager for Federal Paper Board in Montvale, NY where he worked over 24 years. His passions included fishing, camping, reading, golf, and donating his time to several civic events. He was a former member of BASS and a Life Member of the North American Fishing Club. A dedicated angler, he made annual trips to the St. Lawrence River every fall in pursuit of a prized Muskie. Although illness prevented him from continuing work, he remained active in Boy Scouting from 1978-2004 before retiring as Scoutmaster. He began as serving as a volunteer for Cub Scout Pack #44 in 1978 before joining Boy Scout Troop #44 as an Assistant Scoutmaster in 1980 and eventually becoming Scoutmaster. In 2004 he was awarded 'Citizen of The Year' by the Florida Family Fun Fest Committee alongside fellow scouter and good friend Vince Rutkowski for his dedication to the community and scouting. There were many close friends, fishing buddies and those involved scouting that he treated as family. He also had a dog he loved dearly named Koko. A lifelong animal lover he had many dogs over his lifetime that were both loyal companions and welcomed distractions during life and retirement. They included Snickers, Bear, Troubles, Teddy, Boomer, Lobo and Socks. Always willing to help someone or lend a hand, Joe will always be remembered for his boisterous laugh and big smile. His presence was an uplifting spirit. Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 31st from 1-4 & 6-9PM at T.S. Purta Funeral Home, 22 Glenmere Avenue, Florida, NY 10921. Funeral mass will be held 12Noon, Monday, June 1st at St. Joseph Church, Florida, NY. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, Florida, NY. In lieu of flowers please send donations and contributions to Boy Scout Troop #44, C/O Jan Jansen, 161 Glenmere Ave., Florida NY 10921.