Submitted by the Family
HERKIMER, N.Y. — Mitchell Alan Keno, age 73, passed away of natural causes on May 25, 2026, while on vacation with friends in Ireland. He was born December 7, 1952, in Herkimer, N.Y., and grew up in Mohawk, N.Y., on the family farm.
He graduated from Owen D. Young High School in Van Hornesville, N.Y., attended SUNY Morrisville (N.Y.) and graduated from Herkimer County Community College. He married Kristin Folts of Herkimer in 1975; last summer, they celebrated 50 wonderful years together. He proudly worked for Jay-K Lumber (now Curtis Lumber) for 40 years and had no plans to retire. He loved his job and his customers — many of whom had become close friends. In 2000, he began a seven-year stint working with his brother Leigh in the antiques and art business in Manhattan. This was an exciting time for Mitch, having grown up immersed in the antiques world with his parents and brothers.
Everyone who knew Mitch would agree that he was larger than life. He was enthusiastic, positive, generous and was known for his sense of humor. He was meticulous and valued tremendous attention to detail. His life was rich with friendship and hobbies. A true music lover, he drummed in two bands in the late 60s and 70s (Fountain and The Diplomats). He appreciated early American antiques, folk art and classic cars from a young age. Folk art held a particularly special place in his heart — he had a deeply trained eye for Americana and a genuine passion for its history and craftsmanship that stayed with him throughout his life. Whether at an auction, a show or in quiet conversation with fellow collectors and dealers, Mitch was always in his element. He was proud of his appearances as an appraiser on PBS’s Antiques Roadshow.
He loved the outdoors, especially hiking (i.e. climbed the majority of the Adirondack high peaks), camping, skiing and weekends with the guys at Gray Camp in the Adirondacks. Fly fishing was another of his passions; he celebrated memories of several fabulous fly-fishing vacations with his brothers and nephew. He was a devoted Buffalo Bills fan and was proud to show up at the stadium wearing his silly faux-fur buffalo hat.
Mitch was fiercely proud of his daughter, Lisa, and he found happiness in her happiness. He was an animal lover and fully embraced Lisa and Kristin’s love of horses. He was a proud horse show dad/husband for many years, during which he was known for his loud cheering and videographer skills. Just as Mitch’s presence filled every room with warmth, his absence will be deeply felt by all who knew and loved him.
Mitchell is survived by his wife, Kristin; daughter, Lisa; their horse and two golden retrievers (horse Cooper, dog Cooper and Poppy); his brothers Leigh and Leslie; and many beloved in-laws, nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his much cherished parents, Norma and Ronald Keno.
