Obituary of Kenneth Berntsen

Kenneth Berntsen, age 77, passed away on January 4, 2021. Devoted son of the late Laurits and Hulda Berntsen, beloved husband of Catherine Ann (Dalton) for 54 beautiful years. Wonderful father to James Kenneth and Kevin Todd. Devoted grandpa (pop-pop) to Stephen Matthew, Lauren Marie, Ryan Anthony and Sofia Ann. Loving brother of Ruth Paganello and Eleanor Tollevsen. He was predeceased by three siblings, Herbert, Lillian and Alice. Loving brother-in-law to Warren Berry, Carl and Jayne DiPierro. Loving father-in-law to Deborah and Lisa, uncle, cousin, godfather, neighbor and friend. Ken was born in Brooklyn on July 2,1943. He graduated from Lafayette High School and attended the City University of New York. He began his working life as an auto mechanic at Glenn Cove Buick, Caplan Buick and Kinney Chevrolet (Brooklyn) completing his career as a supervisor of auto mechanics at NYC DOT Fleet Services in Staten Island, retiring in 2009. He and Cathy were married in October 1966, lived in Flatbush and Bath Beach, Brooklyn making the move to Staten Island in 2018. He was an accomplished mechanic with "golden hands" who could fix anything. He enjoyed "puttering", woodworking and music considering himself an "audiophile". Ken was a devoted "family man" working tirelessly with his wife to care for their two sons giving them love and opportunities for the best start in life. The four grandchildren called him pop – pop. After raising his own two children he helped raise his grandchildren whom he adored to whom he felt very close. Friends and coworkers in offering condolences have called him a good soul, unselfish, generous, kind with a good sense of humor and "the best boss I ever had". If anyone, "screwed up" he would say, "that's why pencils have erasers". Positivity and acceptance was his nature; he never complained and never said a bad word about anyone. As an active member of AA for over 30 years he helped many people to achieve sobriety. In some ways he was "other abled" saying "there is always more than one way to do anything". As a family, we had many happy vacations, family affairs and good times creating memories. For 13 years, Ken and Cathy winged their way to their Florida home entertaining friends and family. They spent may happy times traveling and cruising with lifelong friends. He leaves a legacy of love, generosity, humility, selflessness, fortitude, tradition and fun. He will be terribly missed. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in Kenneth Berntsen's name to Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 230 East Ohio Street, Suite 500, Chicago, Illinois 60611-3270. Direct Donation Link: https://app.mobilecause.com/vf/PFFTribute/KennethBerntsen Visitation at the Matthew Funeral Home, Inc., 2508 Victory Boulevard, on Friday 2:00 - 5:00 and 7:00-10:00 pm. A funeral mass will be held at Holy Family RC Church Saturday at 10:00 am. Interment will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY. Due to Covid, all visitors must wear masks and practice social distancing. Please be mindful that a wait to visit might exist due to current capacity limitations.