Kenneth Andrew Esola “Kenny, KenDog”, 64, passed away on Thursday, October 30, 2025 surrounded by his loving family.
He was born in Teaneck NJ, Kenny was the son of Jeanne Cutrona and the late John Esola. He grew up in Northvale, with his stepmom Terri Esola Englehardt and the late John Esola, where he formed many lifelong friendships that he cherished throughout his life.
Kenny was known by all for his kindness, caring nature, and willingness to help anyone in need. He was genuine, humble, and lived life to the fullest. He found joy in simple pleasures—spending time outdoors, caring for all animals, helping neighbors and friends, playing his guitars, and riding his motorcycle. His love for live music took him traveling from coast to coast, where he touched countless lives and made lifelong friends along the way. To know Kenny was to love him, and he always had a smile for everyone he met.
He dedicated his life’s work to the glass industry and took great pride in his craft as a member of the Glaziers Union Local 718. His hard work, skill, and integrity earned the respect and admiration of his colleagues and friends.
In recent years, Kenny enjoyed his retirement in Vanceboro, NC surrounded by the people and places he loved most.
He is survived by his siblings John Esola, Jeanne Cutrona-Vera, Richard Esola, better known to Kenny as “Chop Chop” and his wife Loretta, Dave Esola, also known as “Lopes”, and younger sister Chrissy Esola. He will be deeply missed by his many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Kenny’s life will be held at Pizzi Funeral Home 120 Paris Ave in Northvale, NJ 07647 on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 From 4-7. Family and friends near and far are welcome to join.
May Kenny’s warmth, generosity, and incredible spirit live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
I will forever love you Ken Dog and carry all our memories we shared from your visits to MN to our adventures of going to concerts together! Send those signs my angel
Laura P
This is a tough one….loved my lifelong friend xoxo
My deepest condolences to Kenny’s family and friends..Rest in the Lord’s Eternal Peace
THANK YOU VERY MUCH
Damn buddy even though I moved away I have always considered you one of my life long buddies. I guess because during our younger years we did a lot of crazy shit together. This is f’ed up going to Pizzi’s for this reason. How many times did we walk through that parking lot heading to my house. This sucks, but I’ll definitely see you when I hopefully get up there. RIP Buddy.
I love you my Uncle Kenny, Rip, and I will see you again someday, love your favorite niece.
I knew Kenny for many many years. He was a great guy lived at my house for a couple of years and it was a great roommate. Always gave me a helping hand whenever needed. I will miss him dearly.
Today we remember a kind, gentle soul — the best person anyone could have been blessed to love. His quiet strength, warm heart, and steady kindness made the world softer for everyone who knew him. Though he is gone, the love he gave remains forever, a light we’ll carry with us always.” I love you Kenny. Your Dawnie
“To know him was to love him,” no better description could be written . . . My condolences to the Esola Family and all of his friends who will miss him so!
I hope you met up w/Dani by now~may you keep on rocking in eternal peace 😉
Kenny we go back a long way and had many good times together. You will be remembered by everyone whose life you touched. You’re probably fishing or gardening in heaven right now! or hanging with all the musicians you loved playing your guitar. May you be at peace with god. This is so difficult to believe and I will love you deeply forever:3
Oh my Kenny… I’ll always treasure the memories. We shared some great times. Stopping by to see you before going to my bartending gigs. You visiting me at those gigs. Your awesome card tricks, and you always addressing me as WOMAN!! I loved that most. I’ve missed you for years because life took us in different directions, but now I’ll miss you forever… until we meet again. May your beautiful soul rest in eternal peace. Rock on Mick❤️
Miss u uncle Kenny keep an eye out on Ayden and Makenna for me while your up there ❤️
Rest easy my friend.
Gentlemen!