Ted Kerpez

Ted Kerpez, age 58, of New Paltz, NY, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, December 23, 2018. He was born on March 6, 1960, in Glen Cove, NY to the late Ted Kerpez and Fran Scuteri Kerpez. He married Barbara Sunshine on June 22, 1985. They met as undergraduates at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst in 1980.

He cared passionately for the environment, receiving his undergraduate degree in wildlife biology in 1982. He went on to earn a master’s degree from the University of Arizona in Tucson and his Ph.D. from Virginia Tech, both in wildlife biology. Ted’s love of the environment formed his career at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, where he served 28 years, most recently as the regional wildlife manager.

Ted’s favorite place to be was outside. He enjoyed hiking and biking on the many trails in the Hudson Valley. He loved going out on his motorboat with his children and their friends, his brother and his nieces, and with his friends. He loved camping and spent time every year camping with his family and friends. He also went on an annual camping trip with his college friends.

Music was another of his passions. He enjoyed collecting music and finding new bands to listen to, going to concerts, and always had music playing in the background. Ted loved to travel and see new places. He planned and executed many family vacations so that they could see and experience the world.

Most of all Ted loved spending time his family. He went on many field trips to the Mohonk Preserve with his children, spent time in their classrooms, and was involved in their academic life and their many activities. As his children were growing up, he went to every ballet performance to watch his daughter, Chloe, dance. He also was very involved in the New Paltz Boy Scouts Troop #172 with his son, Nathan.

Ted is survived by his wife, Barbara Sunshine; his daughter, Chloe Kerpez; his son, Nathan Kerpez; all of Gardiner, NY; his brother, Ken Kerpez; his nieces, Kate and Jess Kerpez; his sister and brother in-laws: David Sunshine and his daughter Phoebe; Amy and Jeff Becker and their children, Peri, Sydney, and Reed; Susie and Ben Pheatt and their daughter, Sara; and many friends whom he loved like family.

Calling hours were held on Friday, December 28 from 2 – 4 pm at Copeland Funeral Home 162 South Putt Corners Road, New Paltz, NY 12561. At 4 o’clock family and friends were invited to share stories and memories of Ted as they celebrated his wonderful life.

Copeland Funeral Home is honored to assist the family with the arrangements. Online condolences may be left for the family of Ted by visiting www.copelandfhnp.com

Join the family! Grab a free month of HV1 from the folks who have brought you substantive local news since 1972. We made it 50 years thanks to support from readers like you. Help us keep real journalism alive.
- Geddy Sveikauskas, Publisher

Related Posts

Next Post

Weather

Kingston, NY
45°
Cloudy
6:44 am7:17 pm EDT
Feels like: 43°F
Wind: 5mph N
Humidity: 74%
Pressure: 29.9"Hg
UV index: 0
FriSatSun
52°F / 34°F
57°F / 39°F
55°F / 36°F

Subscribe

Independent. Local. Substantive. Subscribe now.