Kenneth J Sciabaras

Kenneth Joseph Sciabaras “Kenny” 1964 - 2026 Kenny passed peacefully on July 16th, in Elgin, Il. He was born in Berwyn, Illinois to Patricia and David Sciabaras and lived most of his life in northern Illinois. Kenny hated the cold winters, however, and spent his last ten years in the sunshine of Phoenix, Arizona.

Kenny raced BMX and Motocross in his younger years. If his body had cooperated, he never would have stopped. Giving up two wheels for four, Kenny moved on to racing RC cars. Kenny became sponsored by Team Associated and raced and attended events in many states. Always making friends with his helpfulness and smile along the way. Kenny enjoyed recreational mountain biking and riding his Harley. Whether a lazy weekend cruise to nowhere with his brother Michael, or a Little Angel’s run with his friend Russ, or searching out a countryside restaurant alongside his mom, for Kenny, it was about the ride, and the company, not the destination. Kenny was an avid Motorcross and Supercross fan and would talk your ear off about it, if you let him. Thank you to his friend Ron Joint for getting him tickets and pit access.

Although several of Kenny’s jobs were in sales, from motorcycles at his parents Harley-Davidson shop, to everything motor sports related at TUF Racing and Krause Racing, to bicycles at Performance Bicycle in Phoenix, his favorite job was as an over the road truck driver. Kenny loved the view from the cab and enjoyed testing our knowledge of the U.S.A. by sending photos of the countryside and asking us to guess his location.

Kenny spent many years with Wendy’s in various capacities, which is where he met and fell in love with Michelle Rowan. They married and he became a father to her son, Tyler. While he and Michelle eventually went their separate ways, raising Tyler remained his biggest joy. Being a dad was his favorite thing.

Although Kenny was known for his love of seafood - everything from Christmas herring to fried shrimp, to sushi - given a choice, a plate of his mom’s spaghetti would probably win. At 8 years old, Kenny was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes and began a lifelong struggle with its complications. He fought long and hard, most of the time with a sense of humor and his trademark smile. Kenny had a big heart, a generous spirit and always wanted everyone to have a good time. In spite of his health challenges, he tried not to complain and was always happy to celebrate the good things happening in the lives of his family and friends.

Kenny is survived by his son, Tyler Rowan; brothers David and Michael Sciabaras (Trish Hendry); sisters MaryJo Stern (Steve) and Victoria Cassingham (Gene) and many nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.

Thank You to everyone who helped Kenny in various ways throughout the years, including Russ and the entire Billapando family. Thank you, Jim Rheintgen, for being an amazing and generous friend to Kenny. Thank you to all the healthcare workers who treated Kenny with respect and kindness during his many hospitalizations this past year, especially those in the ICU at St Joe’s, Elgin.

Kenny’s quality of life was greatly improved by the gift of organ donation when he was 23. Please consider becoming an organ donor. (See organdonor.gov or unos.org for more information on organ donation.)

A Celebration of Life will be held in Illinois at a later date. Stateline Cremations is assisting the family, 6204 Forest Hills Rd., Loves Park, IL 61111. www.statelinecremations.com