Kenneth J. O'Brien, 85
Proud Marine, retired FDNY firefighter, business owner, accomplished builder and carpenter
Ken O'Brien, 85, of Port Richmond, died peacefully on Friday, May 18, 2018.
A lifelong Staten Islander, Ken was born on Aug. 8, 1932, to Alice and John O'Brien of Rainbow Avenue, Port Richmond. Following his graduation from St. Peter's Boys High School in 1950, he went on to join the United States Marine Corps and proudly served our nation during the Korean War.
After returning home from war, Ken met Maria Layman at a dance in Westerleigh Park. They went on to get married in 1952 and had three children together. Ken and Maria ("Mim") shared a rich life, and many more dances.
Both members of the Cheers Club, Ken and Maria greatly enjoyed time spent with their friends and family and spent many summers in Dingmans Ferry, Pa.
True to his Norwegian roots, Mr. O'Brien was a skilled carpenter and builder. He owned his own business, Clearview Home Improvements. In the late 1970's, Ken and Mim relocated to Clearwater, Fla., where he built dozens of homes and businesses in the Tampa area.
In 1987, Mr. and Mrs. O'Brien returned to Staten Island, where he went into business with his son, Kevin. Together, they built dozens of homes, some of which were award-winning and featured in The New York Times. Ken built himself a workshop in his basement, where he hand made picnic tables and benches for the community.
In the 1990's and 2000's, Mr. O'Brien became involved with the Marine Corps League and served as Commandant of both Staten Island and New York State, and was then elected by his peers to the national level, serving two-terms as Commandant for the Eastern Region. He frequently traveled the state and country in his role. In recent years, he created a scholarship foundation that provides financial assistance for the higher education of children, grandchildren, and dependents of members of the Marine Corps League.
Even in his final months, Mr. O'Brien was looking for ways to help others. He loved his country, his family and his friends. He lived a long, accomplished life filled with moments his surviving family will cherish forever.
Ken was predeceased by his wife of 51 years, Maria O'Brien; his brothers, Billy and Bobby; and his sister, Alice.
He is survived by his brother, Timothy O'Brien of Dingmans Ferry, Pa.; son, Kevin O'Brien (Patricia); his daughter, Colleen McGinley; his son, Tom O'Brien (Carol); and his six grandchildren, Julie Maniscalco ( Joe), Martin O'Brien (Shannon), Thomas McGinley, Timothy O'Brien, Maureen O'Brien and Patrick McGinley.
Friends will be received Tuesday, May 22, at Scamardella Funeral Home, 332 Broadway, from 4 to 8 p.m. Funeral service is Wednesday, May 23, at 10 a.m., at Scamardella Funeral Home. Burial will immediately follow at Fairview Cemetery.
Scamardella Funeral Home
322 Broadway
Staten Island, NY 10310
(718) 981-6622

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Published by Staten Island Advance on May 21, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for KENNETH O'BRIEN

Sponsored by Scamardella Funeral Home.

7 Entries

June 25, 2018

Kenny, friend neighbor and partner in Clear View Home Improvement fellow NYC Fire Dept.
prayers and blessings. Miss you and all the good times together, your friend Eddie Larsen

May 29, 2018

Dear Kenny, I always look for you on your porch when I walk from Forest Ave. I put a flag there on Monday after the parade. We knew each other from Rainbow Ave, growing up. Later on we renewed a friendship as I i was secretary to Lou Mangone for many years.
I never knew a nicer fellow as you. May God caaress you in his loving arms.
Carmella (Colca) Saccente

May 24, 2018

Semper Fi, Kenny!!! God Bless You always to a fine and upstanding man. Rest in Peace. Tommy Woodford

May 22, 2018

Hi Tommy
To you, your siblings and all your extended families-
I was so, so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. Your Mom and Dad were both always so friendly, so funny and good caring people. Of course it brings back so many memories of when you guys were here in Florida so long ago. I can picture your parents at Winnie and Paul's house with my Mom and Dad, my Aunt Nancy and Uncle Bob for many Superbowls, New Years Parties and any other chance to get together and they would tell stories, play jokes on each other and laugh! As sad as this news is, it means Kenny and Mim are back together. Thinking of you with my deepest condolences.

Trish Esposito-Loretto

Lou & Terry Esposito

May 22, 2018

Dear Kevin, Patty, Colleen & Tom,
and to all the members of your families......

It is a very sad day learning of your Dad's passing. Losing someone
is always difficult but seeing the end of a generation is even sadder.
Your Dad has always been an inspiration to both his family & friends
for his dedication to his country and the Marine Corp.
Thinking of your parents both in SI and here in Florida along with
Winnie, Paul, brings back lots of laughs, fun times and fond Memories. God has blessed us with still having each other and Bob & Nancy to still reminisce about the old days. May all the wonderful good times and
great family memories be a comfort to you all as you mourn the
passing of your Dad. God bless you all.
With love and sadness,
Lou & Terry Esposito