WORCESTER - Joseph J. Kenyon III passed away on October 26, 2019.

He was born June 2, 1933 in Kearny, NJ, the son of Joseph J. Kenyon, Sr. and Alma Carlson Kenyon.

He attended schools in Kearny, leaving there in his sophomore year of high school with his family and moving to Worcester, NY in 1949. Upon graduating from Worcester Central School, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served with the 60 ^th Fighter Squadron during the Korean War.

He fell in love with Mildred Gran and they were married on June 16, 1956 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Worcester.  Joe attended and graduated from the Aetna Casualty & Surety Insurance School in Hartford, CT and started his career with the George Alexander Agency, purchasing the agency in 1960, later incorporating the agency under the name of Joseph J. Kenyon, Inc.

He helped establish the first planning board in the Town of Worcester and became its first chairman. He later helped establish the first Otsego County Planning Board and became its first chairman.  He also served as chairman of the Southern Tier Regional Development Board. He was elected as the first representative from District 6 on the County Board of Representatives and served for 20 years from 1970 to 1990.  He championed many changes in county government and became known as the most effective voice on the Otsego County Board.

He was a trustee of St. Joseph's Church and member of the Parish Council, as well as chairman of the Building Committee, having successfully led the parish through two major building projects. Joe was Past Commander of Worcester American Legion Post 1584 and was presently the Finance Officer.  Since 1980 Joe has been serving as organizer and emcee of the annual Memorial Day parade and program in Maple Grove Cemetery.  He served many years as a director of the Wilber National Bank.  He also served on the Montgomery, Otsego, Schoharie Solid Waste Board.  He served for five years as a member of ONC Boces Board.  He was also appointed by Gov. Mario Cuomo to the Appalachian Regional Council and served on that commission for several years.

Joe is survived by his wife, Mildred Kenyon of 63 years; children, Stephen and Nancy Kenyon, Essex Junction, VT, Carol and Jeffrey Wittig, Manlius, NY, Dr. William and Ellen Kenyon, Ipswich, MA, Sandra Fancher and Whitaker Raymond, Clifton Park, NY, Mark and Lori Kenyon, Binghamton, NY, Jodi and Kim Peckham Kenyon, Beverly, MA; grandchildren, Lia (Travis) Banka, Sean (Cassie) Kenyon, Lauren Wittig and fiancé, Farai Savage, John Wittig, Jacob Wittig, Katherine Kenyon, Christopher Kenyon, Haley Fancher, Madeleine Fancher, Ashley Kenyon and Rachel Kenyon; great-grandchildren, Reid and Ryan Kenyon; siblings, Albert Kenyon, Alfred (Joyce) Kenyon, Harold (Janet) Kenyon, Alma Price, Richard (Carol) Kenyon, Joy Campiglia, Marion (Gilbert) French, James (Pamela) Kenyon, sister-in-law, Adeline Kenyon, many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents and brother, Robert Kenyon.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated 11 a.m., Thursday, October 31, 2019 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 201 Main St., Worcester, NY. There will be no calling hours.  Burial with military honors will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to St. Joseph's Church Building Fund, Worcester Emergency Squad or the Helios Care, Oneonta.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to, www.hellerskinnerfh.com ; arrangements are by Heller & Skinner Funeral Home, 155 Main St., Worcester, NY