Kenneth C. Bryant, Sr.

Kenneth Charles Bryant departed this life on Monday, September 14, 2020. He was the 5th child of Hazel Bell Bryant and Jon E. Bryant born April 11, 1932. He was proceeded in death by sisters Vivian Bryant and Betty Reese, and brothers John F. Bryant, and Norman (Pat) Bryant. His youngest brother Nelson Bryant currently resides in Rialto, CA.

Kenneth married Marlene C. Lowry on February 15, 1952 and they remained married for 51 years until Marlene passed away March 26, 2003. Three children were born of this union, Kenneth Charles Bryant, Jr. and wife Michelle of Ypsilanti, MI., Gary David Bryant and wife Linda of Buford, GA., and Michelle Lynette Bryant (Mikki), deceased.

Kenneth who is affectionately known by family members as “PaPa” is survived by 12 grandchildren; Kendra R. Bryant, Justin R. Bryant, Tandra A. Williams, Quincy L. Bryant, Diallo D. Bryant, Darin L. Battles, Dominic D. Battles, Lateka Lewis, Richard Lewis, Tandra D., Charmane N., and Lavell M.

Kenneth is survived by 24 Great Grandchildren and 6 Great-Great Grandchildren; Darian, Jaylin, Justin Jr., Carleshia (Carlee), Justice, Jaylil, Tania, Karstin, Mikel, Mikala, Jasmine, Charles Jr. Lenogia, Chaniya, Travee, Cierra, Diallo Jr., Donte, Dyani, Char’Lynne Mae, Kodee, Deshai, Mikayla, and Dominique. The 6 Great-Great grandchildren are Sarai, Alora, Braydon, Ariella, Krishon, and Tavon.

Kenneth spent the last seventeen years of his life in a serious, committed, and loving relationship with Marlene Ellis of Pittsburgh, PA. Marlene’s children Tiffany Ellis Butts and husband Calvin O. Butts IV and Monica E. Ellis; her grandsons Calvin O. Butts V, Reed Harris Butts and Oden Ellis-Harris all affectionately called him “Papa” as well. He also cherished these relationships and experiences.

Kenneth graduated from Coraopolis Senior High School in 1950. He retired from Jones and Laughlin Steel Corp after 30 years of service in a variety of increasingly responsible positions. Additionally, Kenneth performed home remodeling and construction work for over 60 years. He was self-taught with highly accomplished skills in carpentry, electrical, plumbing, cement/brick work. You name it, he was highly proficient in all aspects of home construction and remodeling.

An avid reader, Kenneth has read over 500 books and was very interested in Black history and at the age of 86, wrote and published a book titled “Our Hidden Legacy” which chronicles the achievements and contributions made by Black Americans that our history books tend to leave out.  Definitely a must read.

Kenneth was a very devoted family man and enjoyed spending quality time with his children and grandchildren participating in countless activities, travels, and events with them. He encouraged and insisted on family unity and togetherness continually. Kenneth was a proud adult chaperone of the Assiegie Corporals drill team that his children participated in as they traveled to various states participating in holiday parades and competitions. Kenneth was also honored as the oldest living Patriarch at the Bryant Family Reunion in Leesburg, VA in June, 2019 which was attended by well over 100 family members that traveled from all over the country.

Kenneth was seriously devoted to his spirituality. He was a member of AME Zion church for over 40 years serving as a deacon and attending various church conferences and conventions. He enjoyed sharing the words and teachings of the Bible with friends and family members. He will always be remembered for his kind, calming, and supportive nature. Kenneth could engage intellecutally with people from all levels of society from Supreme court justices to the homeless individuals living on the street. He will be immensely missed and remembered by family and all those who had the opportunity to know him.

Visitation Monday 3-7 PM at Copeland’s Coraopolis, 867 Fifth Ave. Please meet at Shelley Jones Basketball Pavilion, Mill Street at First Ave., Coraopolis, PA 15108 for funeral service on Tuesday at 11 AM. Entombment will follow in Coraopolis Mausoleum.

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