Kenneth Joseph Erb Jr. (age 63) passed away suddenly December 12, 2023, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Kenny was born on November 30, 1960, in Cleveland, Ohio and raised by his mother, Josephine (Morana) Kenaga. He is a self-taught guitarist and lived his life through his love of music that began when the family moved to Fremont, Ohio, during his teenage years. After moving to Cleveland in 1982, he formed the band Shok Paris, one of the pioneers of the Cleveland Heavy Metal scene. The band had much success throughout the 1980’s and through all the ups and downs, Kenny never gave up on his dream and continued making music until the very end.
Kenny is preceded in death by his beloved and cherished mother Josephine (Morana) Kenaga and the love of his life, Diane “Dodi” Braun. He is survived by his siblings, Donovan (Beth) and Kristen Kenaga and his loyal and ever-faithful cat, Nicky. Beloved uncle to Jessica (Jon) Barnes, Tyler, Josie and Elliott Kenaga. Cherished and loving caretaker to Jeannie and beloved nephew, cousin and friend to many.
Memorials/celebrations of life will be after the new year and will be posted on Facebook.
We (Donovan & Kristen) would like to thank everyone who have reached out during this difficult time and will forever cherish all the wonderful memories, photos and tributes for our brother.
Keep on Screamin’…
Fly high brother!
Sad to hear the news – I was in a couple basement/garage bands with Ken when he lived in Fremont – great guy and a great guitar player. Prayers are up for his family.
Ken was a friend, bandmate brother,the years we spent together making music, and hanging out were some of the funnest craziest times for all of us.He was very creative and had a huge heart. I’ll miss him but always remember the time spread together. God Bless you “Screamin Erb” love you brother
Ken was a friend, bandmate brother,the years we spent together making music, and hanging out were some of the funnest craziest times for all of us.He was very creative and had a huge heart. I’ll miss him but always remember the time sprent together. God Bless you “Screamin Erb” love you brother
Ken’s music was a soundtrack to a period of wild youth, filled with ups and downs. The one thing that made it all seem ok was a Shok Paris show at the Pop Shop, a dump of a club, made to seem a bombastic arena by Ken & the band.
Ken and I became friends on Facebook years later and he told me he knew my sister, and she was one of his favorite fares. We had some chats on life issues, and politics..which at times we differed, but he was always respectful to me, as I tried to be too, since he was one of my idols. Its funny, because in person, for years, tha most I could muster was ” great show” and a handshake, because to me…he was an absolute star in what he did, and much like any star, I either approached lightly, so as not to offend, or I’d chicken out. All these years later, the only regret I have about knowing Ken Erb, is that it took me until so much later in life to realize what a smart, super cool, funny, and all around decent guy he is. When I told him my aforementioned sister was diagnosed with cancer, he had nice things to say about her, and asked if I’d convey his wishes to her.
I will always miss that I can’t ever sit and have coffee and an in person chat with him, but I can tell you I’m sure they’d have been fun, informative, and I’d have kicked myself for not doing so sooner. I do promise I’ll be always a fan of his GREAT artistry, and since I too am a driver, I’ll be listening to and talking to Ken that way. God bless you Screamin’…sweet rest to you, brother 🤘🤘
From first love to dear friend and the impetus for so many of my friendships, Kenny was a Big Deal in my life. Thank you God for putting him in my life. You and Jo Mama and Dodie take care of him – we will see you all later. ❤️🙏
Sending hugs to you both. I am so sorry for the loss of Ken. I have fond memories as a high schooler feeling proud to have met a Rock Star!!!
Just saw Ken in July. He said he was now Kuber, not a taxi or an uber and I said Ubertowski! We laughed. I’ll miss that laugh. In the early Shok Paris daze he was living in Parma so his nickname became “Erbatowski” so he would fit in, and did he ever fit in well to Cleveland, especially the Metal Scene! His music will be remembered but we will miss that sense of humor for sure! Ken was one of a kind! Head first into twilight dear brother.
My heart is broken for your family. I was the first makeup artist for Shok Paris and adored the gentle giant that was Ken. Rest peacefully, brother.