Ken was born and raised in The Bronx, N.Y. Ken attended St. Raymond’s Grammar & High Schools. During that time he also served his Church and participated in community and school sports. Graduating, he continued on to Iona College, New Rochelle, N.Y.  Through four years, he earned his Bachelor of Arts Degrees in History and English. He also earned minor Degrees in Theology and NYS Secondary Education. These degrees were conferred in June 1972. Ken married his childhood sweetheart, Elizabeth M. Levin in August, 1972.

Beginning in his High School years, Ken worked part-time as a receptionist at a local funeral home. Throughout this experience, he witnessed how people were hurting, in pain and didn’t know what to do or what steps to take. He saw how people turned to a funeral director for help. This extensive exposure was to affect Ken in his personal and professional life. After a short time, of pitching for the New York Yankee Organization. Ken put his original dreams (Pitching for the Yankees and being a High School teacher) aside, he entered the internationally- renowned school, American Academy Mc Allister Institute of Funeral Service, Manhattan, N.Y. ,from which he graduated in March of 1973. He served his internship and residency at Garlick Funeral Homes, Brooklyn. Upon completion in 1974 he became a New York State Licensed Funeral Director. In January 1976, Ken was hired as the Assistant Manager of the Garden City chapel of Fairchild Sons Funeral Homes. At the same time, Ken and his wife were blessed with their first child, Aelysche.

They heard about a little town in Suffolk County called St. James, where there was a funeral home for sale. They followed their dreams; took a leap of faith and off to St. James they went.  And here they are almost 30 years later…

During their 29years, in addition to creating a successful business, Ken has served his Church and his community as a Deacon for Sts. Philip & James R. C. Church, St. James. Ken has sponsored and coached Little League, is a member of the Knights of Columbus, has assisted in beginning bereavement programs in many local churches, guest lecturer at Smithtown High Schools, has been a guest lecturer at Dowling College for the Hospice Workers and Nurses; served as a president and chairman of the Board of the St. James Chamber of Commerce; Secretary of the Lions Club; a member of the Nassau-Suffolk Funeral Directors Association; he has served on the board of directors for St. James Senior Day Care Center and was president of the Board at the creation of Suffolk County’s First Alzheimer Respite Program. His participation in these programs continues today. 

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