Ken was a graduate of Kenmore East High School, then went on to earn his Bachelor of Science degree from the University at Buffalo.
He had a career in Public Accounting with Ernst & Young, and a career in healthcare as co-owner of The Waters Assisted Living facilities. He served in the National Guard from 1970 to 1976.
Ken was on the Board of Advisors of WNY Salvation Army. He was recently honored as a Lifetime Member of the Board.
He was an avid bird hunter, loved fishing, boating on the Niagara River, and loved to golf.
Ken is survived by his wife, Barbara Crissman Colwell; his children, Megan Antonelli (Brandon), Mandy Licata (Michael), Zachary Kellner (Kali) and Bethany Scimone (Jake); grandchildren, Logan and Nolan Licata, and Ethan Antonelli; his twin sister, Kay Puma (Lee), and brother, Jim Colwell (Patti).
A Memorial Service will be held in the Chapel at Church of the Palms, 3224 Bee Ridge Rd, Sarasota, FL 34239 on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at 10:30 am with a luncheon following at Stoneybrook Country Club, 8801 Stoneybrook Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34238.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm at Niagara Falls Country Club, 505 Mountain View Dr, Lewiston, NY 14092.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Ken's memory may be made to Dogs, Inc. (formerly Southeast Guide Dogs) at dogsinc.org, 4210 77th St. E, Palmetto, FL 34221, and Salvation Army of Western New York, Buffalo Area Services, salvationarmyusa.org, 960 Main St., Buffalo, NY 14202-1197.
