Kevin G. Banes

Kevin G. Banes

July 27, 1970 - Feb. 23, 2025

Kevin G. Banes of Albany, NY entered into rest on February 23, 2025.

Beloved son of Kathleen Banes and the late Thomas Banes; dear brother of Jeffrey Banes

(Leeann) and Matthew P. English (Jessie); loving uncle of Leah Banes; also survived by his

uncle, cousins and friends in Buffalo and Albany.

Kevin was born and raised in Buffalo, NY and attended Timon High School where he

forged some of his most cherished and lifelong friendships. In 1998 he graduated from the

University of Buffalo with his B.A. in Communications and in 2005 he earned his Master’s

Degree in Public Relations, from the University of Albany. He stayed in Albany to pursue a

career as a lobbyist, which couldn’t have been a better profession for him.

Kevin, in the truest sense, was a people person and he, above all, loved working and

taking part in activities that brought him together with friends, family and colleagues. He truly

loved what he did because it allowed him to do what came so naturally to him. By engaging with

people, building relationships and advocating for a wide range of people, he was completely in

his element and he couldn’t have been happier. From 2015-2024, Kevin worked as a partner at

Statewide Public Affairs and prior to that he worked at e3communications, with longtime friends.

Kevin pursued his activism with as much passion as he did with his career. He spent

many years volunteering for Wildwood Programs, the Special Olympics and Deaf Adult

Services, which were all undoubtedly beloved to him. In 2019 he was honored by the Special

Olympics.

At the end of 2024, Kevin embarked on his greatest endeavor as the founder of his new

company, Pinnacle Public Affairs. He was thrilled to be starting this new and exciting path in his

life and career.

Friends, family and colleagues knew Kevin to be a kind, humble and gracious person with

the most compassionate heart. With his infectious laugh and genuine spirit, we all feel blessed

to have had him in our lives. For those who he fondly referred to as his “Buffalo Family” and his

“Albany Family”, can rest assured knowing how much you all meant to him and how happy he

was to have had you all in his life.

Relatives and friends may visit the LOMBARDO FUNERAL HOME (Southtowns Chapel) 3060

Abbott Rd., near Lake Ave. on Sunday (March 2) from 1-5PM. A funeral service will immediately

follow. If desired, donations may be made in Kevin's name to Special Olympics New York,

94 New Karner Road Suite 208 Albany, NY 12203.