Kenneth William Kingsley of Hampton Bays died on March 10. He was 83.
Kenny, as he was known by all his friends and family, was a graduate of Utah State, class of ’64, earning a high school teaching degree and with that started a career in coaching football and track. An avid sports enthusiast, he loved skiing, basketball, and football most. He enjoyed anything sports related and loved competition, especially a good game of backgammon at any time.
He was great friends with legendary Long Island high school basketball coach Pat McGunnigle, assisting coaching at various times over the years. He was a passionate supporter of Hampton Bays basketball programs and an advocate for youth sports involvement throughout his life.
He turned his competitive love for sports into a competitive love for business. Starting in 1969, Kingsley, along with partners, opened and was the very proud owner of three of the East End’s most successful businesses, the Cruiser Club (1969-), The Chart Inn (1978-1990), both in Hampton Bays, and The Drivers Seat (1977-2006) in Southampton. Characteristic to his approach to life, these businesses were the epitome of success, his family said.
Kingsley and his wife Dana moved to Manchester, Vermont, in 2009, beginning new adventures and business opportunities and enjoying becoming grandparents, according to his family.
His positive impact was felt, they said. His close friendships were very dear to him, lifelong, and he took great care to enjoy them. He was always ready with a calm, positive word of advice which will be missed.
In addition to his wife Dana, he is survived by his son Dane; daughter Kory; and grandchildren Eila, Tallula and Mabel.
There will be a gathering to celebrate his life at The Southampton Public House on April 27 from 6-8 p.m. He always liked a good party, his family noted.
In lieu of flowers, donations to either Habitat for Humanity, Manchester, Vermont, or Second Chance Animal Center, Arlington, Vermont, would be appreciated by the family.