Services announced for Ken Kaiser, former MLB umpire

Funeral services for Ken Kaiser, an American League umpire who worked two World Series and the 1991 All-Star Game, have been finalized.

Mr. Kaiser, 72, died Tuesday at his home in Greece. He was in poor health recently, coping with diabetes for decades, according to friend and lawyer Tony Leonardo.

A native of Rochester who grew up in the city's 19th Ward, Mr. Kaiser worked more than 3,000 games through the 1999 Major League Baseball season. Major League Baseball refused to re-hire Kaiser, who was among umpires who resigned in protest during labor negotiations, ending 23 years in the big leagues.

More:Ken Kaiser, MLB umpire, dies at 72

The first part of his career included 13 seasons in the minor leagues, until a promotion in 1977. His "Ken Kaiser Sports Celebrity Night", held for the benefit of Villa of Hope — a shelter for youths — was on the Rochester-area sports scene for a decade.

Mr. Kaiser is survived by companion Cheryl Bogner, daughter Lauren Kaiser Nelson, son, John Kaiser and half-brother David Kaiser.  

Calling hours for Mr. Kaiser are noon to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Bartolomeo & Perotto Funeral Home, 1411 Vintage Lane in Greece. The funeral service for Mr. Kaiser is 9:30 a.m. Monday at Saint Lawrence Church, 1000 North Greece Road, with interment following at Riverside Cemetery.

A suggestion in Mr. Kaiser's death notice asked that in lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be sent to UMPS Care Charity, 301 Holly Road, Edgewater, Maryland 21037 or to B.A.T., 245 Park Ave., New York, New York 101167.