Kenneth W. (Kenny) Mead, 62, of Ocoee, Florida passed away at his home on April 20, 2011. He was born in Jamaica, Queens, New York on January 29, 1949 and resided there for several years before moving to Richmond Hill. Kenny graduated from Holy Child Jesus School in 1962 and from Richmond Hill High School in 1966. He learned to play the drums at an early age and continued his passion throughout his young life. Kenny was drafted in the Army in 1968 and was honorably discharged in 1970. For a short time, he was employed by the Federal Government as a Sky Marshall, and spent countless hours coaching basketball teams in the City-Wide Courtsmen, A.A. in Springfield Gardens. Kenny also lectured on fundamentals at basketball camps on Long Island; however, his true love was music, playing and booking Jazz musicians at venues like Tatou, The 5 Spot, and Birdland.
Kenny will be placed with military honors at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida at 2pm on May 13, 2011. Donations for his services may be made to JC Fuller, PA, 1700 N Maitland Avenue, Maitland, Florida 32751.
Friend, mentor, producer, manager. Rest in peace.
Rest in Peace Kenny Jazz, you will be missed dearly. Philly Dave
To my spiritual advisor, my sponser, and friend so sorry I was too busy with my troubles. I will miss you dearly, you taught me so much. I love you, man!
Rest in peace. I’ll never forget the five years your gave my family. The unselfish generosity you showed during one the worst times of my life will never be forgotten by Jenn and Jackie. Thank you from everone’s soul you touched.
I served in the Army with Kenny.
A finer person never walked the earth.
Kenny was one of a kind….we met in 1986 and it was a great ongoing friendship,, but once he went got down south we communicated very little,, and I am sad to have only learned of Kenny’s demise but 3 years ago….a shame for such a talented and giving person to die so young.