KENNETH STANLEY BRONSTEIN

BRONSTEIN, Kenneth Stanley A Man of Many Stories and Commitments Son of Ethel (Shulman) and Max Bronstein, was born in Brookline, MA, on November 7, 1938, and passed away on October 18th, 2024, three weeks short of his 86th birthday. After graduating from Brookline High School in 1956, he attended Northeastern University, where he received a B.S. in Industrial Engineering in 1961. In 1959, he married Florynce Schivek and they had one son, Michael in 1960. He served for two years as a second lieutenant in the army and then the family moved to New York, where he worked for IBM until his retirement in 2000. Working at IBM brought intellectual, problem solving, creative excitement and fulfillment by being involved in the forefront and in future technical discoveries. He frequently commented his work at IBM in the early 1960's with the rapidly emerging IT culture was probably the most exciting time in his life. After his retirement, Ken lived in New York City and devoted his time to many cultural, civic and charitable organizations in the metropolitan New York area. He was especially active with the New York Fire Department, which recognized and deputized him an "Honorary Fire Chief." He had privileged access to the World Trade Center site after the devastating disaster. Spending time with Ken often included his taking you to visit one of the City's classic fire stations. On many occasions firefighters would recognize him, call out his name and wave to him or start a conversation to inquire about recent fires or developments with the NYPD. Ken's nieces were thrilled when he was offered to have them ride in a NYPD rescue truck. He was known for his extremely comprehensive collection of NYFD artifacts. A dream for 70 years was to own a fire engine. So, along the way he acquired a vintage 1931 Aherns-Fox Fire Engine, which today is kept safely in a barn and is the envy of other collectors. "Bronstein traveled extensively around the world, including from the North Pole to Antarctica and visited local fire stations wherever he went, which gave him a global network of firehouse acquaintances!" For over 20 years, he served as president of the New York City Atheists and was known for placing banners on NYC public buses that said, "You don't need to believe in God to be a good person." Ken loved telling stories to friends and acquaintances and they were very entertained hearing about his many adventures. He was very knowledgeable about and loved everything NYC! He delighted in sharing his favorite experiences such as tasting its food, displaying and explaining historic sites, current activities and unknown highlights. He is survived by his long-time partner, Elinor Fine; son, Michael Bronstein; his brother, Barry Bronstein; and sister, Caryn Kovacs. He will be missed. At a later date there will be a celebration of Kenny's life.

View the online memorial for Kenneth Stanley BRONSTEIN