Albert Kenneth ‘Bud’ Kniffen

Albert Kenneth ‘Bud’ Kniffen

AMENIA — Albert Kenneth “Bud” Kniffen, Jr., 77, a lifelong area resident died peacefully at his home in Amenia, NY on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025. Mr. Kniffen was a retired black top plant foreman, having worked for Amenia Sand & Gravel in Amenia for more than 35 years.

Born Nov. 28, 1947 in Sharon he was the son of the late Albert K. and Katherine (Ward) Kniffen, Sr. Mr. Kniffen was a graduate of Webutuck High School in Amenia and furthered his education at Alfred University where he studied black top plant operations and advancements. He served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Air Medal. He was honorably discharged on Aug. 20, 1969. Mr. Kniffen was a life member of Amenia Fire Company and Rescue Squad, a life member and past president and past secretary of the Amenia Lions Club, a life member of Millerton American Legion Post 178 and V.F.W. Post 5444 in Dover Plains, he served on the Amenia Island Cemetery Board and was the past president of the Tri State Baseball League. For many years he enjoyed bowling and playing softball in local leagues.

Mr. Kniffen is survived by his daughter, Jaimee Kniffen and her husband Bryan Kreps and his son, Michael Kniffen and his companion Lucinda Kalinowski; four grandchildren, Nate, Jazlynne, Elias and Saige Kniffen; his brother, Peter Kniffen; two sisters, Alberta Darnell and Linda Hamilton and several nieces and nephews and many friends. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Donna K. Whalen and her husband John and his brother-in-law Michael Darnell.

Calling will take place on Thursday, Feb. 13 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Scott D. Conklin Funeral Home, 37 Park Avenue, Millerton, NY 12546. The Amenia Fire Company will conduct services at 6:30 p.m. during visitation. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, Feb. 14 at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow with Standard Military Honors at Amenia Island Cemetery, Route 343, Amenia, NY. Memorial contributions may be made to Millerton Legion Post 178, VFW Post 5444, Amenia Fire Company or Amenia Island Cemetery. To send an online condolence please visit www.conklinfuneralhome.com

Latest News

Thanks To You, Our Recent Donors

Thanks To You, Our Recent Donors

Your contributions over the last year have made delivering trusted, local news possible.

Listed are donors who generously made a gift to The Lakeville Journal and The Millerton News between January 1, 2025 through January 31, 2026*

Keep ReadingShow less

Swift House committee learns of potential buyer at first meeting

Swift House committee learns of potential buyer at first meeting

Swift House in Kent.

By Ruth Epstein

KENT — The fate of the Swift House is once again front and center after the newly formed Swift House Investigation Committee held its first meeting Tuesday, Feb. 24 — and learned that a local attorney is interested in buying the historic property.

At the meeting’s outset, committee member Marge Smith said local attorney Anthony Palumbo has expressed interest in purchasing the building. “He loves it and said he’d be honored to buy it and maybe lease part of it back to the town. He would be OK with a conservation easement.” She said he supports several previously proposed uses, including a welcome center and exhibition space.

Keep ReadingShow less
history

Sharon median home price rises to $710,000 as inventory tightens

Sharon median home price rises to $710,000 as inventory tightens

119 Amenia Union Road — A four-bedroom, 2.5-bath home built in 1872 on 4.42 acres recently sold for $522,500.

Photo by Christine Bates

SHARON — The 12-month trailing median price for a single-family home in Sharon increased to $710,000 for the period ending Jan. 31, 2026 — its highest point since September 2024 as home values across much of Connecticut continued to edge higher.

The figure marks an increase from the $560,000 median recorded for the 12 months ending Jan. 31, 2025, and from $645,000 for the comparable period ending Jan. 31, 2024. While January and February are typically slow months, the 12-month rolling figure reflects a broader reset.

Keep ReadingShow less
real estate
google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.

Kent's towering snowman honors Robbie Kennedy

Kent's towering snowman honors Robbie Kennedy

Jeff Kennedy visits the 20-foot-high snowman located in the Golden Falcon lot in Kent that was created in honor of his late brother Robbie Kennedy.

Photo by Ruth Epstein

KENT – Snowman Robbie stands prominently in the center of town, just as its namesake — longtime Kent resident Robbie Kennedy — did for so many years.

The 20-foot-high frozen sculpture pays tribute to Kennedy, who died Feb. 9, at the age of 71. A beloved member of the community, he was a familiar sight riding his bicycle along town roads waving to all he passed. Many people knew him from his days working at Davis IGA, the local supermarket. He was embraced by the Kent Fire Department, where he was named an active emergency member and whose members chipped in to buy him a new bike, and by the Kent School football team where coach Ben Martin made him his assistant. At Templeton Farms senior apartments, he was the helpful tenant, always eager to assist his neighbors.

Keep ReadingShow less
community

Classifieds - February 26, 2026

Classifieds - February 26, 2026

Help Wanted

PART-TIME CARE-GIVER NEEDED: possibly LIVE-IN. Bright private STUDIO on 10 acres. Queen Bed, En-Suite Bathroom, Kitchenette & Garage. SHARON 407-620-7777.

The Salisbury Association’s Land Trust seeks part-time Land Steward: Responsibilities include monitoring easements and preserves, filing monitoring reports, documenting and reporting violations or encroachments, and recruiting and supervising volunteer monitors. The Steward will also execute preserve and trail stewardship according to Management Plans and manage contractor activity. Up to 10 hours per week, compensation commensurate with experience. Further details and requirements are available on request. To apply: Send cover letter, resume, and references to info@salisburyassociation.org. The Salisbury Association is an equal opportunity employer.

Keep ReadingShow less

To save birds, plant for caterpillars

To save birds, plant for caterpillars

Fireweed attracts the fabulous hummingbird sphinx moth.

Photo provided by Wild Seed Project

You must figure that, as rough as the cold weather has been for us, it’s worse for wildlife. Here, by the banks of the Housatonic, flocks of dark-eyed juncos, song sparrows, tufted titmice and black-capped chickadees have taken up residence in the boxwood — presumably because of its proximity to the breakfast bar. I no longer have a bird feeder after bears destroyed two versions and simply throw chili-flavored birdseed onto the snow twice a day. The tiny creatures from the boxwood are joined by blue jays, cardinals and a solitary flicker.

These birds will soon enough be nesting, and their babies will require a nonstop diet of caterpillars. This source of soft-bodied protein makes up more than 90 percent of native bird chicks’ diets, with each clutch consuming between 6,000 and 9,000 caterpillars before they fledge. That means we need a lot of caterpillars if we want our bird population to survive.

Keep ReadingShow less
the ungardener
google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.