William Joseph Kehn

TROY - William “Bill” Joseph Kehn of Troy, NY, passed away peacefully on December 11, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. 

Born and raised in South Troy, Bill attended St. Mary’s Elementary School and was a 1962 graduate of Catholic Central High School. He is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Patricia (Malone) Kehn; his children Daniel Kehn and Marcy (Brian) Pickert; and his cherished grandchildren Eva and Aidan Pickert. He is also survived by his siblings John Paul (Mary Ann) Kehn, Jean Kehn, and his identical twin brother Frank (Michele) Kehn, along with many beloved nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, John A. Kehn and Margaret R. (O’Brien) Kehn, who instilled in him the kindness, generosity, and work ethic he carried throughout his life. 

As boys, Bill and Frank were inseparable, especially on the basketball court and baseball field. They enjoyed a lifetime of mix-ups and good-natured antics, starting with their father accidentally teaching right-handed Bill to bat lefty and left-handed Frank to bat righty. Their look- alike hijinks, from school days to family gatherings, often fooled teachers, friends, and occasionally, even their own children. 

Bill’s nearly 40-year career began at the Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) and then in data networks and communications with the New York State Police. Outside of work, he lived a life grounded in family, the outdoors, and simple joys. Some of his happiest early memories were summers at the family camp on Taborton Mountain in Sand Lake. He loved fishing, first at Taborton, later in the pond behind his home in Miami Beach Estates in North Troy, and most recently at the family camp on Babcock Lake in the Town of Grafton. Bill so enjoyed, and rarely missed, his grandchildren’s many baseball, basketball, and soccer games. 

An avid golfer and exceptional downhill skier, Bill met his wife Pat through the Uncle Sam Ski Club, beginning a partnership filled with adventure, laughter, and deep devotion. Bill was a ski instructor for many years, and together, he and Pat raised their family on the slopes of Hickory Hill in Warrensburg, NY, where countless cherished winter weekends were spent together. They later enjoyed seasonal escapes and family trips to Naples, FL; Hilton Head, SC; and destinations abroad. A longtime parishioner of St. Augustine’s, he and Pat served as Eucharistic ministers and counseled engaged couples preparing for marriage. 

To know Bill was to experience tremendous warmth, humor, and his gift of putting you instantly at ease. He had a remarkable ability to make anyone feel comfortable and welcome and always found the bright side in any situation. His incredible wit, humility, strength of character, contagious laughter, deep kindness, and enduring devotion to his family and many friends will be remembered by everyone fortunate enough to know him. 

Relatives and friends may call at the Sacred Heart Church 310 Spring Avenue Troy on Thursday, December 18, 2025 from 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM and a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:30 PM with Rev. John Yanas, Pastor. 

Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery Troy. 

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in memory of William Joseph Kehn to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6703, Hagerstown, MD 21741, or visit cancer.org/donate. We recommend using the brycefuneralhome.com website to share or send condolences, light a candle, view videos or for service directions.

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