It is with a deep sense of sadness that I share the news that our dear friend and classmate Ken Brownell passed away this morning at the hospital in San Mateo. Ken and I were best friends in school and we've stayed friends forever. My heart is broken today as he was one of my oldest friends in life. We talked regularly about life, health, our families and our Class of 65 friends, reunions and scholarships.

Kenneth (Ken) Leroy Brownell

July 23, 1947–Aug. 7, 2023

Kenneth (Ken) Leroy Brownell passed away on Monday, Aug. 7, 2023.

Ken was born on July 23, 1947, in Watsonville, California to Homer (Brownie) Brownell and Sophie Brownell.

Much of Ken’s early life was dedicated to baseball, a sport he loved and which would have a significant influence on his life. Ken attended Mintie White School for kindergarten through fifth grade and E.A. Hall School for 6th through 8th grade where he was president of the student body in 8th Grade. He attended Watsonville High School where he was president of his freshman class and went on to star on the football, basketball and baseball teams. Upon graduation, Ken was drafted by the New York Mets in the 19th round (366 overall) in the first-ever Major League Draft. Following the draft, Ken and his father were invited to Candlestick Park to watch the Mets play the S.F. Giants. Prior to the game, Ken was led onto the field by Mets coach Yogi Berra where he threw a bullpen to Berra and was able to meet Casey Stengel (manager) and Giants stars Willie Mays and Willie McCovey. Though a professional baseball career was enticing, Ken ultimately pursued a college degree and was awarded a baseball scholarship to UC Santa Barbara, ultimately transferring to UC Berkeley where he was on scholarship for his junior and senior seasons. At UC Berkeley, he met Louise Blatteis, ultimately graduating with a business degree and then an MBA from Haas School of Business a few years later. Upon graduation, Ken and Louise were married at Temple Sherith Israel in San Francisco on March 2, 1974, followed by a reception at Lake Merced Country Club.

After working for PG&E as an analyst in San Francisco, Ken entered the real estate business, initially with Ritchie Commercial in San Francisco before joining his father in law, Samuel Blatteis at Blatteis Realty, where he would serve as president for the majority of his 40+ year career. Ken worked closely with his three brothers-in-law, David, Jonathan and Daniel Blatteis, and enjoyed the collaboration of working closely with family. Ken enjoyed the art of the deal and the many long-term relationships he created as a retail leasing and sales broker in San Francisco and was highly respected amongst his peers.

Ken and Louise settled on the Peninsula, initially moving to San Mateo, then Burlingame, before Hillsborough where they raised their four children (Jessica, Sam, Noah and Sarah). Ken was active coaching his children’s sports teams and serving on the board of the Hillsborough Schools Foundation.

Ken was an avid photographer and videographer and captured decades of family trips, sporting events, birthdays and special occasions. He was especially fond of editing his videos into “feature presentations,” which he would screen at Thanksgiving each year for the extended family.

Ken was also passionate about travel and in the several years prior to his passing traveled the world prolifically visiting South America, Australia/ New Zealand, Indonesia, India, Western and Eastern Europe and the Middle East for extended trips. He documented each trip with photos and interesting history and stories from each region.

Ken is survived by his four children, Jessica Brandwein, Sam Brownell, Noah Brownell, and Sarah Brownell, six grandchildren, Mila and Charlotte Brandwein, Hannah and Hailey Brownell, and Charlie and Max Epstein. Ken is survived by his younger brother, Robert Brownell, his nephew, Chris Brownell, and niece, Brandie Brownell. Ken is survived by his dear friend, Barbara Serafin.

Sinai Memorial
(415) 921-3636

I will post more information as I receive it.

RIP my dear friend !