Kenneth M. Korb, Sr.

Kenneth M. Korb, Sr., age 70, resident of Holbrook, died February 9, 2026. Anyone familiar with Long Island music venues has probably heard of Ken “the Rocket” Korb, a well-known performer of blues, jazz, country, and old-time folk music.  He is known for his charming, humorous stage persona. He was a co-founder of the Long Island Blues Society and a finalist in the International Blues Challenge in 2009.  He was involved with Bradstock Music Festival from its inception, running the acoustic stage for many years.

On the scene for over forty years, leading his own bands and in partnership with others, he has achieved almost legendary status on the harmonica, both chromatic and diatonic types, with a versatility that sets him apart. Ken played many other instruments, including mandolin, clarinet, guitar, banjo, ukulele and the penny-whistle, which he played with charm. And we can’t forget that washboard, festooned with noise-makers!

Ken was also a prolific artist, from drawing and sketching to painting with oil, watercolor, pastel and acrylic media.  He leaves behind hundreds, if not thousands, of paintings and drawings of landscapes and flowers -- his favorite subjects.  You could often find him plein air painting in many local places on Long Island. He created art until the day he passed.

For over forty years, Ken was a master woodworker, running his own cabinet business. He was involved in all phases of design, manufacturing, and installation of cabinetry. In 2014, he started a family business called Legacy Touch-Ups with his son, Michael and son in-law, Joseph Patti through which they repair furniture, cabinetry, and woodwork of all kinds.

Ken was a loving, joyful and gentle person, a friend to everyone, and always upbeat and positive. He was a teller of stories and jokes, some of them side-splitting, some of them groaners. He was beloved in the arts and music community -- he steadfastly showed up and supported his fellow artists and musicians and created space for others to showcase their passions.

Ken died peacefully at home after complications from sarcoidosis, a lung disease he suffered from for 35 years.

Ken is survived by his wife Lora Kuykendall, his children Heather Korb and her husband Joseph Patti, Michael Korb and his wife Kristen Fitzpatrick, Kenneth Korb, Jr. and his partner Jamie Sciortino, his grandsons Noam and Sage, his siblings Norman Korb and his wife Jo Ann, Linda Broedel, Daniel Korb and his wife Betty, Timothy Korb, Thomas Korb and his wife Nelly Real, and David Korb.

Memorial visitation will be Friday, February 13 th from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Raynor & D’Andrea Funeral Home 683 Montauk Hwy. Bayport. Church service Saturday, February 14 th 1:00 p.m. at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church 93 Yaphank Middle Island Rd. Middle Island. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: American Lung Association Donation Processing Center P.O. Box 70360 Philadelphia, PA 19176-0360. or online at:

https://www.lung.org/get-involved/ways-to-give