Kenneth Barry Yanow

Ken passed away surrounded by his loving family February 25th, 2026 after a long and brave battle with Pancreatic Cancer.

Ken was born in Newark, NJ on November 4th,1958 to loving parents, Loretta and Ralph Yanow. He grew up enjoying playing with his older brother, Roger, and baby sister, Debbie, in their yard in Livingston, New Jersey. Even as a young boy, Ken had a vibrant personality, loved animals and forged deep friendships at the various schools he attended that have lasted a lifetime. He graduated from Livingston High School and went on to Tulane University where he graduated in 1980 with a degree in Arts & Science and a minor in making unforgettable Mardi Gras costumes. New Orleans remained a part of Kenny's heart and soul throughout his life, returning many times to relive his glory days and take in some great jazz, even playing piano alongside some great jazz legends.

After backpacking through Europe for a year, Ken moved back to New Jersey, moved in with some of his best friends, and started working for the family business, Ridgewood Corporation. He later went on to work for General Plumbing Supply in various positions for 38 years. Ken was an extremely creative soul. He was an entrepreneur meets mad scientist, developing various inventions, most notably The Pants Extender which is still used by many today. As an avid pianist and band member, Ken wrote various songs, ultimately producing an album in 1986 titled Tunnel of Love (he would want us to mention this is not to be confused with Bruce Springsteen's Tunnel of Love which came out a year after in 1987).

In 1985 Ken met his beloved wife, Joyce, and they married and moved out to rural Washington, New Jersey. They welcomed daughter, Samantha, in 1988, and later, Dylan, in 1998, along with a slew of feline and canine siblings along the way. He loved coaching Sam's soccer team and watching Dylan carry on the musical gene at all his various concerts. Ken loved being with his family and playing frisbee with his dogs in their backyard. In the evenings when the weather was nice you could often find him enjoying one of Joyce's famous Mai Tais on their beautiful deck while listening to Moondance among other classic rock songs (loudly on repeat). Most recently, Ken loved becoming a grandfather to grandson, Sebastian, and granddaughter, Betty, who he loved to make laugh.

Ken was an avid family man, piano player, concert goer, animal lover, reader, travel enthusiast, and all-around beach guy. He would light up a room like no other and his presence is one that will be sorely missed.

Kenneth was preceded in death by Ralph Yanow, Ariella Yanow, Roger Yanow, Loretta Yanow and John Fischer. He is survived by wife Joyce Yanow, Dylan Yanow, Samantha and Michael Garchik (Sebastian and Betty), Debbie and Neal Wallen (Andrew and Jason), Pat Fischer (Sarah and Jenny).

A service and celebration of Ken's life will be held in New Jersey in early Spring, date to be determined. In lieu of food or flowers, a donation can be made to Capital Caring Health.