On Wednesday, January 5, 2022, Kevin William McBride passed away at the age of 68 at Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center in Sun City West, AZ. Kevin was born to Patrick and Elizabeth McBride, on February 21, 1953 in the Bronx, New York. Kevin graduated from Farmingdale High School in 1971 and received his bachelor’s degree from the New York Institute of Technology in 1975. On September 6, 1975 Kevin married the love of his life, Janet Bubnash. Their daughter, Melissa, arrived three years later.
In 1975, Kevin and his father, Patrick, started P.J. McBride, Inc., a special event tent company, “We help you create memories that will last a lifetime.” The company lived up to their motto, creating lasting memories for thousands of clients. Kevin’s accomplishments in the industry were recognized in 2007 when he won the Bruce W. Wodetzki award. This prestigious honor recognizes professionals who continue Wodetzki’s legacy of impacting the growth, direction and success of the tent rental industry.
In 2012, Janet and Kevin said goodbye to New York and moved to Waddell, AZ. Until his illness, Kevin worked as a Project Manager at the Palo Verde Generating Station in Tonopah, AZ. He enjoyed his work there, especially the camaraderie with his many coworkers.
Kevin was loved by all who knew him, even if they only met him once. He loved to travel and entertain family and friends. Kevin’s famous “clipboard of fun” ensured that vacations and family events were enjoyed by all. In recent years, Kevin loved sitting on the patio enjoying wine and sunsets with his wife, Janet. Before moving to AZ, those sunsets were enjoyed on Long Island’s beautiful beaches. He shared his passion for the NY Mets, NY Jets, and NY Islanders with his daughter, Melissa, even if most of the time they watched their team lose. Kevin gained notoriety in his Waddell neighborhood for his unending dedication to yard work, regardless of the outside temperature. Kevin lived life to the fullest, and encouraged everyone around him to do the same. He never missed an opportunity to help others, whether it was donating to a local food bank or stopping total strangers on vacation to take their picture.
.Kevin was preceded in death by his mother, Elizabeth. He is survived by his wife, Janet, his daughter, Melissa and her husband Eric, his father Patrick, his brother Timothy, his mother-in-law, Irene, his sisters-in-law, Michele and her husband Frank, and Carol and her husband, Keith as well as Snow, the family cat (who he secretly loved).
To honor Kevin, take time to enjoy the sunset and raise a glass to celebrate his life. Those of you who are not yet 21, can celebrate him by raising a glass of milk and eating an Oreo or two.
A private memorial service will be held on Tuesday, January 11, 2022 at 1pm. The service will be available for viewing online. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to one of the following organizations:
St. Mary’s Food Bank
https://www.firstfoodbank.org/donate-money/
ATTN: Development
2831 N. 31st Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85009
or
Long Island Cares - The Harry Chapin Food Bank
https://www.licares.org/donate-now/
10 Davids Drive (Harry Chapin Way)
Hauppauge, NY 11788-2039
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