LEICESTER: Robert G. Kane, Sr., 76, of Leicester, died Saturday, May 8 in St. Vincent Hospital.
He leaves his wife of 47 years, Barbara A. (Morrison) Kane, his children Kathleen M. Kane and her husband Craig E. Knowlton of West Brookfield, Robert G. Kane, Jr. and his wife Annie of Wilson, N.Y., Joseph E. Kane and his wife Stephanie of East Longmeadow, and Mary Emily Kane and her husband Neil O’Brien of Athol, nine grandchildren Anna, Olivia, Robert Peter, Jane, Atticus, Brenden, Colin, Shelby & Tyler, sister in laws Catherine LeBoeuf of Rochdale and Irene Zajac and her husband Henry of Dudley, several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Professor Kane was born in Worcester, the son of Robert P. and Alice (Vivier) Kane. He graduated from St. Stephen’s High School in 1951, The College of the Holy Cross in 1955, received his Masters Degree in Education from Worcester State College. He then received a Master’s degree in History from Assumption College and completed Doctoral work in History at University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Professor Kane had a long career in education starting with the Leicester Public Schools followed by Annhurst College where he was Director of Development. He later was a Professor and Chair of the History Department at Worcester State College for 40 years and retired as Professor Emeritus in 2002. He once served in the United States Army.
He was a member of St. Joseph/St Pius X Parish, Leicester Senior Citizen Club and their bowling league. He was a former Leicester Little League and youth basketball coach. He enjoyed vacationing on Cape Cod, spending time with his family, watching the Boston Red Sox and listening to Irish music.
The funeral will be held Tuesday, May 11 from MORIN-MORRISON FUNERAL HOME, 1131 Main Street, Leicester with a Mass at 10:00 AM in St. Pius X Church, 1153 Main Street, Leicester. Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Leicester. Calling hours are Monday from 4:00-7:00 PM. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Worcester County Food Bank, 474 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury, MA 01545 or to The American Cancer Society, 30 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701.