Kenneth R. Duge, 63, of Batavia passed away on Saturday, September 14, 2024, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born in Buffalo on September 30, 1960, to the late Roger and Jean (Gethicker) Duge.
Ken began his career at National Grid, formerly Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation, in 1979, following in the footsteps of his father, Roger. Throughout his 42-year tenure at National Grid, Ken had many roles including Meter Reader, Electrical Maintenance at CR Huntley Generation Station in Tonawanda, and Electrical Designer in the Planning Department, Buffalo and finally Batavia, retiring in 2021. Ken truly valued his position at National Grid and was grateful for the lifelong friendships that were created. He was well respected by his friends and colleagues for his intuitive and thorough design approach. Ken was honored to share his skills by mentoring the next generation of new hired electrical planners. Following his retirement, Ken also worked as an Electrical Designer for TRC Environmental and as a Damage Assessor during weather storm events for North Line Utilities.
Ken was kind, witty, original, honest, and a gifted observer. He had a very quiet demeanor, almost Zenlike, so his presence always made others feel comfortable and at ease. Ken had a very unique way of speaking that was both concise yet comprehensive (“Kenisms”) and usually gave him an opportunity to use his expansive vocabulary. When Ken talked, you listened because it was usually something of importance! Ken had a passion for nature, food, travel, golfing (spending time with the Thursday Night Golf Buddies), health & fitness, and running (spending time with his “Scrambled Legs and Achin’” Running Friends).
Ken is survived by his beloved wife Maura Stack-Duge of Batavia; children Kenneth Duge, of Portland, Maine and Kristopher Duge of Amherst; brother Robert (Paula) Duge of Rochester and nephews Roger and Ryan Duge and families; sister Suzanne Sessamen and niece Samantha (Jeremy) Sessamen; bonus children Matthew (Sarah) Cattarin, Sara (Brett) Cattarin and newborn granddaughter Lennon Rose Hancock, and Rachel (Shawn) Cattarin; and the Stack Family.
In keeping with Ken’s wishes there will be no visitation or Funeral Service. Instead, we invite you to honor Ken’s memory by doing something that makes you happy: an act of kindness, enjoying a favorite pastime, or simply taking a moment to appreciate life’s simple pleasures. Let Ken’s spirit inspire you to find joy in everyday moments.
Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York, 14020. Please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com for online condolences.
