Kenneth Eric Roon Jr., 55 of Brooklyn NY., formerly of Friendsville PA., passed away at his home on August 23.

After graduating high school, Ken attended St. Bonaventure University as an undergraduate, earning a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Mass Communication /Journalism in 1990.  He then attended Binghamton University as a graduate student earning both a Master of Arts (M.A.) IN 2005 and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in 2017.  Both degrees were in Comparative Literature.

Ken's work life took him many different places including Miami, Florida; London, England; Houston, Texas; Binghamton, New York; Fairbanks, Alaska, and finally Brooklyn, New York.

He began his career in the travel industry in 1998, worked in journalism, then switched to education in 2006.  He taught courses at Binghamton University as an instructor of Record for the Comparative Literature department, was the Rhetoric Instructor and a tutor for the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), and taught supplemental writing for the Binghamton Writing Initiative.  In 2008 he became an Academic Counselor for the Student Support Services (SSS) program at Binghamton, eventually becoming the Assistant Director.  He finished his career at Pace University as Project Director of their SSS program.  During his career, he tutored, taught and counseled hundreds of students, helping them navigate school and their personal lives, leading to so many reaching their educational goals.

In his spare time, Ken was an avid gamer.  He particularly enjoyed Ingress and was also known to play World of Warcraft, Rock Band and Magic:The Gathering.  He liked both the strategy and social aspects of the games, but what he enjoyed most was vanquishing his enemies!  He shared this knowledge by making reading recommendations tailored to what he thought you would like.  Books were a common gift from him.  Ken loved music and was a huge fan of 80's girl bands, especially the Go-Go's.  He also enjoyed cooking for people, often hosting dinner parties featuring meals that he had specially prepared.

He is survived by his best friend and cat Marco; two siblings, Kevin Roon of Nineveh, New York and Karin Cure and her husband Daniel of Kingsley. Pennsylvania; and nieces Maureen Roon and Katherine Cure.  Ken was preceded in death by his parents Kenneth Roon Sr and Patricia Roon.

A memorial/celebration of life will be held at Tall Pines Players Club in Friendsville, PA on Thursday October 12.  It will begin at 4 p.m. Dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m.  All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, requests that memorial donations be made to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) a scholarship or charity of your choice.