Candlelight Vigil Set For Beloved UWS Tennis Court Staffer

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY — Kevin O'Brien was a staple of the Riverside Park Clay Tennis Courts for more than 25 years.

His easy demeanor and smiling face made him a favorite for the countless tennis players who spent their time on the red clay next to the Hudson River.

On Thursday, the Riverside Clay Tennis Association (RCTA) will hold a window of time to remember, honor, and celebrate O'Brien's life. People can come to the courts with a candle and walk a circuit or two within the courts as live music plays in the background.

Anyone attending must wear a mask and practice social distancing.

The remembrance will take place Thursday evening, after the courts close around 6:30 p.m.

"I had the pleasure of knowing Kevin since I was a little kid and he was always the welcoming face of the RCTA community," said Ben Vanden Heuvel, the former senior assistant facility manager at the Riverside courts.

Kevin had a lasting effect on more than the people who worked at the tennis courts.

"Kevin was such a generous, kind man," said Elise Balboni, a longtime resident of the Upper West Side. "I have so many good memories, of Kevin giving my young children a treat after their tennis lessons when they were younger, to rescuing me when I'd tripped jogging in Riverside and couldn't get myself home without the aid of Kevin in his parks vehicle, to his gentle smile upon greeting my family and me at the many summer concerts we've shared over the years."

The Riverside Red Clay Tennis Courts are located at West 96th Street within Riverside Park.