Builder And Musician Kenneth Yerves Of Montauk Dies January 12

Montauk builder Kenneth Yerves died on Tuesday night in Southampton at the age of 60.

Mr. Yerves was driving eastbound on County Road 39 near Tuckahoe Road when he had a medical emergency, causing him to lose control of his vehicle, which crashed into a stopped Suffolk County bus. He was taken to Southampton Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Originally from Bayport, Mr. Yerves first established himself on the East End in 2004, expanding a building business that would become Montauk Homes, LLC. In addition to building unique and luxurious homes throughout the South Fork, he also designed and built The Dream Inn, a bed-and-breakfast in Montauk, with his wife, Laureen.

No two houses were alike. He was truly a custom builder," said Mr. Yerves's close friend and associate Larry Davis. "His homes will live on forever."

Mr. Yerves was also known by his friends and family as an avid music lover and musician. From 1994 to 2012, he was the drummer and business manager of the country band Concrete Cowboys alongside his brother, Timothy Yerves. According to fan pages, the band had a strong regional following and opened for acts like Mark Wills and Thompson Brothers. In 2000, they released the full-length album "A Step Into the Dark."

Musician Dianne O'Neill played the keyboard and wrote songs with Mr. Yerves for a number of years in the band and remembered him as a great man and musician. "Whenever we played music together it was magical," she said.

Mr. Yerves was a devoted friend to many throughout his life, Mr. Davis said. Looking back on years of playing golf and spending time in Montauk together, he said he couldn't remember a time when he saw Mr. Yerves without giving him a hug.

"I'll never forget the smile on his face," he said.

The father and stepfather of four, Mr. Yerves is survived by Leigh Bombara, Alexandra Yerves, Nicole Ferrara, and Danielle LaForte, as well as his wife, Laureen. He was also grandfather to Brendan, Dylan, Jack and Grace.

Visiting hours for Mr. Yerves will be held at Raynor & D'Andrea on Montauk Highway in West Sayville on Saturday, January 16, from 2 to 7 p.m and Sunday, January 17, from noon to 4 p.m.

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