Kenneth Numan Corey

The family of Kenneth Numan Corey are sad to announce his passing at the age of 94 on September 7, 2023 at the Vermont Veterans Home in Bennington after a brief illness. He was born on January 3, 1929 to Perle Numan and Ruth (Ferguson) Corey. He was a descendant of Numan Harrington, son of Abraham Harrington (1758-1847) and Electa Galusha (1776-1848) who were two of Shaftsbury's early settlers. It gave him great joy to see his full name written on any document. Ken was a 1948 graduate of Bennington High School who proudly served with the 1st Army 172nd Infantry Regiment during the Korean War. His unit was called up to protect the border between Germany and other European countries during that tenuous time of conflict. He was a true patriot who loved his country and enjoyed the camaraderie of his fellow soldiers. He was married to Alma (Mallory) Corey for forty years. She passed on September 2, 2012. They divorced in 1989 which they both deeply regretted. They never had a bad word to say about the other and wished they had remained in contact. He is survived by his loving daughter Carol and beloved son-in-law Stanley Dziubek, with whom he developed a special bond. He was especially proud of his twin granddaughters Stasia M. Dziubek (Ian McEwen) of Ferrisburgh, VT and Stefcia F. Dziubek (Mathew Haley) of West Rutland, VT. He leaves behind his only son, Kenneth Edward, daughter-in-law Margaret (Blicharz), and grandson Keith Corey, whom he dearly loved. Lastly, he leaves his brother George Corey of Bennington as well as many nieces, nephews and close friends. He was predeceased by a sister, Barbara, brother Howard and Howard's wife Myrtle (Downing) Corey, and sister-in-law Norma (George) Corey. As a child of the depression, he knew the importance of providing for his family. He couldn't wait to get up in the mornings to go to work. He was a carpenter by trade but could fix anything with a motor and wheels. His first car was a “black Model T Ford and with a twinkle in his eye he would explain you could buy one in any color as long as it was black.” He was the founder of Ken Corey Building Contractor and built about 120 houses in the towns of Shaftsbury, North Bennington, Bennington and surrounding locales. If you live on the lower end of Sycamore Lane, Meadow Lane, Corey Drive, Corey Lane, Corey Acres, Lake View Drive or Eastview Drive chances are you live in one of his homes. He was a master plumber and electrician as well as a heavy machinery operator. He ran his JD 350 bulldozer and an excavator, preparing the foundations and landscaping the properties. His goal in life was to “build affordable homes for the common man”. He was one of Shaftsbury's true Ordinary Heroes; humble, hard-working and honest. At the age of 85, when he could no longer build houses, he began building 8' x 10' utility sheds. He was 92 when he finished his last shed but continued to build dog houses and decorative wishing wells. He last used a hammer in April of 2023, not because he couldn't wield one, but he was no longer able to drive to his home in Shaftsbury to use his tools. The family would like to thank the staff of the Manes House for their excellent care of Ken over these last few years. An especially heartfelt thank you goes to Holly Emmons and Joan Nenno who were able to be with him in his final hours when his family could not. A service and burial will take place at noon, September 28th at Hinsdillville Cemetery in North Bennington. If one chooses, donations in his memory may be sent to the Vermont Veterans Home in Bennington or the Bennington Area Visiting Nurse. Practice God's 5th Commandment every day of your life: “Honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.”