Kathleen E. (Hettel) Hall

On October 7, 2024, Kathleen E. Hall, 80, went to be with the Lord after a long battle with Parkinson’s and dementia. 
Kathy was predeceased by her husband Benton (Bud) Hall, ex-husband Samuel Berkovits, her parents Anne & Victor Hettel, brothers Victor & Raymond Hettel, sister-in-law Heraldine Hettel, niece Mary Wheeler, stepson Rick Hall, step son-in-law Tolio Mancini, and step granddaughter Maria Mancini. 
She is survived by her children Mary Lou (Dave) Cherinko, Jim (Corinne) Conrow, Rick (Kris) Conrow, Danielle (Tom) Pratt, step-children Sharon (John) Tripp, Debbie Mancini, Barb (John) Hall, six grandchildren Nick, Taylor, Austin, Rylie, Makenna and Samantha, along with numerous step-grandchildren and nieces and nephews. And very special childhood friends Jean and  Phyllis. 
Kathy, (Kath or KB), was born on Staten Island and moved to Sherman PA where she graduated from Deposit High School. She began her construction career at Bill Gargano Inc., as an office administrator. After meeting Sam Berkovits, they started Broome Industrial Painting and Construction. Kathy was well respected in the industry and was the first woman appointed to the Board of the Associated Building Contractors and then the first Chairwoman. 
In 1989, she started her own construction company, KHM, Inc., a certified woman business enterprise (WBE).  She was a trailblazer for the times and this business continues today as a testament to her vision and expertise.
 “Work hard, play hard” was how she lived her life. She was the life of the party, and no one threw a better party – or more parties for that matter– than KB. She loved welcoming people to her home, and her house was your house.  She was quick with the one liners and loved her limericks and toasts.
She was an avid sports fan, cheering on the Giants and Steelers, but nothing compared to her love of the New York Yankees. She would never miss a game and could often be found either cheering for them or telling Steinbrenner how to run the team.  
Kathy was proud of her Irish heritage. She loved the color green – and was quick to note that it was also the color of money. She never missed a St. Patrick’s Day celebration and there wasn’t an Irish toast she didn’t know. She enjoyed her various visits to Ireland, and loved a hot nutty Irishman, the drink that is.  
Kathy enjoyed traveling with Bud, the love of her life.  There was no place they loved more than Freeport, Bahamas, where they met lifelong friends. Kathy was very engaged in the Freeport community, chairing the condo board, sipping cocktails with friends at sunsets and could be heard yelling “give me a Yo” at the craps table in the casino.  
Kathy will be remembered for her boundless devotion to her family and friends, whom she loved with all her heart. Her feisty spirit, generous heart, and her quick wit will be deeply missed by all.  
We are deeply grateful to the staff at Good Shepherd Endwell for the love and care Kathy received. The staff loved Kathy like she was a family member.  We’d also like to thank Lourdes hospice who walked us through her final days.   

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, or to Lourdes Hospice. In addition, Kathy was a firm believer in Death With Dignity. Please visit deathwithdignity.org to learn more and to petition for this law in your state. 
The family will receive friends Monday, October 14th  from 5-7pm at Thomas J. Shea Funeral Home, 137 Robinson St, Binghamton.  A funeral mass will be held Tuesday, October 15 at 10:30 am at Christ Church, 10 Henry St., Binghamton, with the family receiving friends from 9:30am until the service.  

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