Kenneth Francis LeCluse, 91, of Lake Grove, New York, passed away on August 9, 2026, in Stony Brook, New York.

Born on July 18, 1935, in Great Neck, New York, Kenneth was the son of Eugene Francis LeCluse and Mary Charlotte Thurston LeCluse. He graduated from Great Neck High School in 1953 and was drafted into the United States Army, where he served proudly toward the end of the Korean War.

Following his military service, Kenneth married his high school sweetheart, Ruth Anne Smith, in 1958. Together, they moved to upstate New York, where he attended Oswego State Teachers College; he would later earn a Master's degree NYU, and a second Master's from Bridgeport. After graduating, he began a 40-year career teaching Industrial Arts and Driver's Education at Jericho High School in New York. He dedicated himself to his students in the print shop, woodshop, auto shop, photography, and computer technology programs. He made many lifelong friends, and his passion for teaching blossomed as his students created countless projects and participated in numerous community service activities under his leadership.

During the 1960s and 1970s, Kenneth was very active in the Lake Grove Jaycees, a community service organization. He also served on the Town of Lake Grove Planning Board for more than 25 years. As a lifelong member of St. James Episcopal Church, Kenneth volunteered on the Cemetery Committee for nearly 30 years. He helped procure funding for and directed the construction of the Biblical Garden. He also served as Vestry Warden and as a member of the Vestry for more than 20 years.

His commitment to community service continued well into retirement. He became involved with Suffolk County Habitat for Humanity and proudly served on its board starting in the 1980s through the 2000s. He often traveled to other countries to help build homes and raise funds.

In his spare time, Kenneth enjoyed building his own home, woodworking, gardening, completing puzzles, and sailing along the East Coast on his sailboat, the "Kaos," where he was "Captain K." He was an avid train enthusiast and collector who loved building his LGB train layouts around his pond. Kenneth and Ruth were also devoted travelers, enjoying many trips with family and close friends throughout the country and, eventually, around the world.

Kenneth was deeply grateful to the many doctors and staff members at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Columbia Presbyterian Hospital, and Stony Brook University Hospital, who enabled him to enjoy his 91 years to the fullest. He was especially grateful to the amazing staff of the Veterans Adult Day Care at the Stony Brook Veterans Home, who were instrumental in helping him through the loss of his beloved wife of 62 years, Ruth.

Kenneth is survived by his three children: Gary Francis LeCluse and his wife, Melissa, of Setauket, New York; Sandra Jeanne LeCluse Fenley of Virginia Beach, Virginia; and Thomas Charles LeCluse of Ronkonkoma, New York.

He is also survived by four beautiful granddaughters, whom he adored: Erica Elysse and her husband, Robert of Portsmouth, Virginia; Victoria Charlotte and her husband, Ryan of Virginia Beach, Virginia; Jamie Nicole of Chesapeake, Virginia; and Sarah Elisabeth of Setauket, New York.

He was blessed with many cherished nieces and nephews, whom he deeply loved, from both the LeCluse and Smith families, as well as many amazing lifelong friends. He was especially grateful for the love and support of his nephew, Bill LeCluse, and his wife Megan, who were a constant source of comfort and companionship.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his devoted wife, Ruth Anne Smith; his dear older brother, Charles LeCluse; his beloved parents; and many other treasured friends and relatives.

Visitation with the family will be held at St. James Funeral Home in St. James, New York, on Friday, August 14, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.

The funeral service will be held at St. James Episcopal Church, 490 North Country Road (Route 25A), on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow in St. James Episcopal Church Cemetery, accompanied by an Honor Guard salute.

Kenneth was deeply loved by all who knew him and had a remarkable gift for making friends wherever he went. He will be remembered for his compassionate and faithful heart, his thoughtful nature, his kindness, and his beautiful soul. We will all miss his generous spirit and his wonderful words of wisdom.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.