Kenneth L. Pace, 87, of Eagle Bay, NY, and Naples, FL, formerly of Rome, passed away on, Monday, May 4, 2015 in Naples, FL.
He was born February 12, 1928 in Rome and graduated from Rome Free Academy.
On April 7, 1953 he married Rachel Narehood, she passed away on August 30, 1974.
On January 21, 1980 he married Mary Ann Wallis at Sacred Heart Church in Utica, with the late Fr. James A. Culver officiating.
Ken Pace was a veteran of the U.S. Army and retired from the Rome Fire Department as a Lieutenant after 29-and-a-half years of service.
He then owned and operated Bentley’s Restaurant from 1978 to 1988.
Later, he worked for Prestige, where he cooked meals that were provided for the elderly. He was a member of St. Anthony’s Church in Inlet, NY.
Surviving besides his wife of 35 years, Mary Ann, are: daughters, Patricia Pace, (Debra Dziekonski) Whitesboro, NY; Kristine Strumpfler-Smith (Jim) Oswego, NY; and sons, Michael (Shelley) Pace, Fairplay, CO; Kenneth (Michael Brown) Pace, Rome, NY; and James (Dawn) Pace of Middletown, NY; Jeff Merkel, Denver, CO; five grandchildren, Randi Strumpfler, Michael Strumpfler, Florin Dziekonski, Bryanna Pace, and Zachary Pace. Brother- and sister-in-law Kenneth and Pinky Wallis, Eagle Bay, NY.
He was predeceased by two brothers, Peter and Pat Pace.
A memorial mass will be held on Friday, May 15, 2015 at 11 a.m. at St. Anthony’s Church in Inlet, NY. There are no calling hours.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Nunn and Harper Funeral Home, Inc., 418 N. George St., Rome.
You may light a candle, send a message of sympathy and view the obituary at www.nunnandharper.com.
