Tuesday, August 23, 2016

RIP Stephen Konzen, aka the East Village Magic Man



Longtime East Village resident Uncle Waltie shares the following...

Sadly, we lost an East Village original. Stephen Konzen, affectionately called "East Village Magic Man," was not able to pull one more rabbit out of his hat. He succumbed to his illness on Aug. 11, 2016.

Magic Man spent his entire adult life on 9th Street near First Avenue. In addition to his magic, he loved to cook for people. Every holiday he provided tons of food to friends and strangers at The International Bar on First Avenue.

A great many of his friends saw him off on his final journey this past Friday at the crematorium, and there wasn't a dry eye in the house.

Though he's gone now, he leaves behind many happy memories and will live on in our thoughts. Thanks for all your kindness and generosity, Magic Man. The world is a sadder place without you in it.

Here's a clip of Stephen in action from 2013 on "Deprogramming Hour," a cable access show...

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8 comments:

  1. GojiraAugust 23, 2016 at 10:34 AM

    Never knew him, but sure wish I had. RIP, sir, your passing leaves the East Village just a bit more boring.

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  2. WalterAugust 23, 2016 at 10:45 AM

    Thanks for putting this up, EVG.

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousAugust 23, 2016 at 11:16 AM

    Steve was truly a sweet, kind, generous man. A great neighbor, always had a smile and a greeting for you. He loved people, and loved to entertain. Years ago, when Ninth Street had block parties, he used to do a great magic show for kids and adults. He was one of the long time originals of our block, and he will truly, truly be missed. Also, a little remembrance for his wife Liz, who died a few years ago--they were so much fun together then. I hope they are together now.

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  4. paddy523August 23, 2016 at 9:02 PM

    RIP.

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousAugust 24, 2016 at 12:14 AM

    oh man RIP, thanks for making the world a better place

    ReplyDelete
  6. HippieChickAugust 24, 2016 at 1:15 AM

    So sad. He made our block and our EV so special.

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  7. AnonymousAugust 24, 2016 at 9:09 AM

    what 12:14 said. <3!

    ReplyDelete
  8. AnonymousAugust 24, 2016 at 1:38 PM

    What was/is Deprogramming Hour? (Do any Cable Access shows still exist? Does the cable access program still exist?)

    ReplyDelete

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