‘He didn’t want a funeral, he didn’t want a memorial service, he wanted a party:’ Friends, family of Brian McKenna celebrate
“He loved South St. Louis especially, and he loved to bring people together.”
ST. LOUIS (First Alert 4) - It was a party in South City on Saturday with a live band, food vendors, and good weather. It made for the perfect afternoon to celebrate the life of Brian McKenna, a beloved St. Louis sports radio personality, on what has been named “Brian McKenna Day.”
“He didn’t want a funeral, he didn’t want a memorial service, he wanted a party, and this is what Stephanie was able to organize for him,” said Ted Toczylowski.
Stephanie Bozich and Ted Toczylowski are Brian’s friends. Stephanie organized the event on Saturday. They say the South City community was everything to him. McKenna was struck and killed by a car in the St. Louis Hills neighborhood near Hampton and Nottingham Avenues back in March, just two blocks away from where the event took place on Saturday.
“He loved south St. Louis especially, and he loved to bring people together, no matter where he’s at, he loved bringing people together, so I think this was the perfect thing to him by,” said Bozich.
The vendors at the event were chosen by Brian while he was here; they are his favorite restaurants. On Saturday, they donated a portion of their profits to the charities Brian loved the most.
“We were one of his favorite spots, and we adored Brian just as much as he adored us,” said David Preiss, Owner of Biggie’s Restaurant.
For Preiss, it was an honor.
“This one was tough, but on a day like today, we’re all so fortunate, we know that he’s looking down on us with the biggest smile on his face. He brought so much energy to everybody,” said Preiss.
An energy that everyone in attendance and beyond could feel. “Your vibe attracts your tribe” read the shirts of many in attendance, It’s a saying that Brian used often. His tribe was in attendance, not surprised at the number of people there, his legacy touching many.
“All he ever wanted from anybody was kindness, he did not know a stranger. I’ve known him for 32 years, and whoever he met, he made you feel like the most important person. This... does not surprise me,” said Monica Adams-Quentin.
He left an impact on those who loved him the most.
“I love you so much, I miss you, and thank you for teaching me what it means to be a good person, and I can’t wait to see him again on the other side. He truly was a great guy, and he taught me how to be a good person, and he always wanted to make everyone else feel good. I love you and I miss you,” said Lindsay McKenna and Jacqueline Bazzell, Brian’s niece and goddaughter.
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