Kenneth was born August 24Th 1952 in Chicago to the late Antionette Estrella (nee Palmeri) and was raised by and preceded in death by his three Aunts; Mary, Dorothy, and Lena Palmeri. He also was preceded in death by his long time father figure Alex Zvirzin of Lisle, IL.
Kenny had an exceptional aptitude for anything mechanics and found his career path along the way which led him to spend decades working for the City of Chicago on the Fire (Boat) Engine 58, Chicago’s oldest fire engine in service. He retired from the COC and found a love for restoring old fire engines and volunteering with The Fire Museum of Greater Chicago in recent years.
His interests in life ranged from mechanics, motorcycles, racing cars with his best childhood friend Mark Perejda to teaching himself computers to flying. He even owned his own airplane years ago and would soar the skies above, sometimes with his family at his side, but mostly with them marveling at him up in the skies. He also enjoyed cooking, classic rock music, and spending time enjoying the city or even just times relaxing perhaps enjoying a good Chicago pizza with his cat nearby.
He is survived by his daughters Lyssa (John) Neeson, Dawn (Mike) Perejda, Sarah Estrella (Mary Theus); grandchildren John, Natalie, Emily, and Alex; sister Lydia (Roger) Anderson; nieces Randi and Caron; mother of his children Alexis Perejda; and his rescue cat/companion “Pretty Boy”.
In Lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Fire Museum of Greater Chicago.
A visitation for Kenneth will be held Friday, August 30, 2019 from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, 4727 West 103rd Street, Oak Lawn, IL 60453. A prayer service will occur Saturday, August 31, 2019 from 9:30 AM to 9:45 AM, 4727 West 103rd Street, Oak Lawn, IL 60453. A mass of christian burial will occur Saturday, August 31, 2019 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM at St. Symphorosa Church, 6135 S. Austin, Chicago, IL 60638. A graveside service will occur Saturday, August 31, 2019 from 12:00 PM to 12:15 PM at St. Mary Cemetery, 87th & Hamlin, Evergreen Park, IL 60805.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.blakelamboaklawn.com for the Estrella family.
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