Kenneth David Scherkoske, 83

April 02, 2025

Son of Clarence and Blanche Scherkoske (nee Kosinski), Ken is survived by his children Melissa (Olivia) and Greg (Margaret), his granddaughter Sophie and his son-in-law Bill. He is predeceased by his daughter Deborah, his parents, his sister Linda, and his former wife Sharon Scherkoske.

Ken was born in Toledo, Ohio. As a child, Ken had a love of playing basketball, and often fondly remembered his family dog Max. He and his father watched the Andy Griffith show, something he revisited in later years in moments of nostalgia. Ken undertook vocational studies in engineering in high school. Initially working towards becoming a tool and die maker, he soon fell in love with physics and mathematics while studying at the University of Toledo, where he often said he ‘learned to think.’ He fell in love not only with academics, but also met his wife Sharon at the University, and with her support, he pursued graduate studies, completing his PhD in 1972.

Ken’s early academic career took him to Penn State University in Lockhaven, Pennsylvania, the University of Toledo, Kentucky State University, the University of Arizona, then finally Canisius College, in Buffalo New York, where he spent over 35 years teaching, until his retirement in 2016. Ken was devoted to mentoring his students, often leading small seminars in theoretical physics. Colleagues and students gathered to commend him in his retirement as an Emeritus Professor.

After stepping down from teaching, Ken moved to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to be closer to both his daughters and his beloved granddaughter Sophie. There he enjoyed whiling away days reading the New York Times, perusing and annotating new recipes in Cooks Illustrated, having an afternoon nap, and gazing out his windows at the beautiful holly trees surrounding his property. Ken enjoyed the privacy and stillness of his home. While many may have chosen a smaller home in retirement, Ken chose to upsize, and methodically mowed his back yard riding his John Deere tractor with a grin on his face.

Throughout his life, Ken admired things of quality, from finely crafted Rotring mechanical pencils, which were always on hand, to Shun Japanese knives, solidly made tools, gadgets and hardware, BMW cars and a good Filson sweater. Ken was a list maker, a connoisseur of coffee, a collector of fine spices, and a fan of the Rolling Stones. He enjoyed “All Creatures Great and Small” and other PBS and British television series, throughout his life. He cheered on the Buffalo Bills with relish. He knew all the stats on baseball, grew bonsai, which often flourished despite neglect, and hated dusting.

Ken will be remembered for the impish twinkle in his vivid blue eyes, his often pithy observations, his sharp sense of humor, and the touching and sincere ways that he could show his love for those close to him.

He received superlative care from Dr. B. Granger, Dr. S. Vinigalla, Dr. S. Hughes, a wonderful team of healthcare professionals with Lancaster General Health, and the team at Masonic Village Hospice in his final days, which were spent gazing out his home’s bay windows, listening to spring birdsongs, and surrounded by his family.

A gathering to celebrate Ken will be held at a future date in Buffalo New York, which is where he considered home.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ken’s memory can be made to Masonic Village Hospice in Lancaster, PA.