Former Rockland County Legislator Kenneth Ingenito Remembered

from the Rockland County Legislature

Former Rockland County Legislator Kenneth Ingenito, who rose to become Chairman of the then-21-member board three different times, is being remembered for his public service and devotion to community. He died April 29 at the age of 87.

Mr. Ingenito served as a County Legislator from 1982 through 1993, and was elected its Chairman in 1989, 1990 and 1992. He was also a Stony Point Town Councilman from 1980 through 1987 and again from 1991 through 1995, before the county’s “two-hats” law went into effect and limited elected officials to serving in just one elective office at a time.

For 27 years, until his retirement, Mr. Ingenito worked as a teacher and then assistant principal at North Rockland High School. He later was elected to the North Rockland School District Board of Education.

“Ken was devoted to serving the public to the best of his abilities,” Rockland County Legislator Michael Grant said. “Whether it was through his work with charities, during his time as a teacher or school board member or as a representative on the County Legislature or Stony Point Town Council, he was dedicated to doing the best he could for the people.”

Rockland County Legislature Second Vice Chairwoman Harriet Cornell served with Mr. Ingenito during most of his time on the board.

“Ken wasn’t afraid to tackle difficult issues and he did so decisively, but never dictatorially,” Legislator Cornell said. “His leadership skills led to his selection as Chairman of the Legislature three different times. Ken leaves a rich legacy and on behalf of all county legislators, I offer sincerest condolences to his family and friends.”

Mr. Ingenito, who grew up in the Bronx, graduated from St. John’s University. He married “the girl across the street,” Nina Pezzullo, and they later moved to Stony Point. They were married for more than 60 years and together created Students Against Drugs based out of their home, and a Friday night youth recreation program, the Don Bosco Youth Center, at the Marian Shrine. Nina passed away in 2020. Ken was a town resident for nearly 60 years.

The retired social studies teacher was also an adjunct professor at Rockland Community College and Dominican College, now known as Dominican University. He was an original member of the North Rockland Soccer Association, a president of the North Rockland Teachers’ Association and the Italian-American Social Club of West Haverstraw, and active with Hospice of Rockland and the Traumatic Brain Injury Services Coordinating Council of New York.

Mr. Ingenito was buried Monday at Ascension Cemetery in Monsey. His family plans to schedule a memorial service in the future. Please visit Michael J. Higgins Funeral Service at https://bit.ly/3ooOofb for more information.