Easton Obituary: Former Easton Selectman, Parkview Principal John Kent

From Kane Funeral Home:

John J. Kent, 91, a lifelong resident of Easton, died March 26, 2013 at home. He was the husband of Jean M. (Oberlander) Kent for 58 years.

Born in Easton on February 19, 1922, a son of the late Daniel and  Mary (Spillane) Kent, he was raised in Easton and was a graduate  of Oliver Ames High School. A veteran of the US Navy during WWII and the Korean War, he served in the both the Atlantic and Pacific Theatre as a navigator on tug boats.

Upon discharge, he enrolled at Bridgewater State College and earned  a Bachelors Degree in Education and later received a Master's Degree from Boston College. John began teaching at the Center School in Easton and was later appointed as the first principal of the Parkview School in Easton, a position he held for several years.

Subsequent he became a Professor of Education at Bridgewater Sate College and retired as principle of the Holbrook South Elementary School. John was a past selectman for the Town of Easton and also served on the Easton Finance Committee and other various Easton Town Boards.

John was a member of the Easton Historical Society, the Natural Resources
Trust of Easton, the Friends of Borderland and was an active member of the
Easton VFW. His hobbies included fishing, walking, and spending time outdoors.
He often wrote many published articles about the history of the Town of Easton.

In addition to his wife Jean, he is survived by his adult children, John "Jack" Kent and his wife Karen of Easton, Jeanmarie Kent Joyce of Easton, and James L. Kent and his wife Diana of West Boylston; a sister, Alice McCarthy of Easton; a brother, Maurice Kent of North Dighton; six grandchildren, Matthew Kent and his wife Kathleen, Daniel Kent, Julie Kent, Caitlyn Joyce, Sonja Kent and Christian Kent; a great grandchild, Isabella Kent; and several nieces and nephews. He was also the brother of the late Jane Daly, Phillip Kent, Leo Kent, Kathleen Carey and Mary Twomey.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the funeral from Kane Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 605 Washington Street (Rte.138) Easton, on Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. followed by a funeral Mass in the Immaculate Conception Church, Easton, at 10:00 a.m. Visiting hours on Monday from 4-7 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations in John's memory may be sent to Oliver Ames Track Boosters, c/o "The John Kent Track and Field Sports Scholarship", 18 Linden Street, North Easton, MA.02356. For directions or condolences visit www.kanefuneralhome.com