Thomas James Kent, of Canton, Mass., after a brief illness, died peacefully at home surrounded by those he loved on October 17, 2010. He was born December 5, 1927, in Somerville, the eldest son of George and Margaret Kent. Tom enriched every life that he touched with his warmth, integrity and humor. In 1945 he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed for a period of time in Fort Jackson, South Carolina, where he met the love of his life, Mary Berry, whom he wed on July 23, 1949 and who survives him after 61 years of marriage, his life partner in every sense.
In every way, Tom was a gentleman and friend to all. He and Mary raised 5 children over 37 years, and instilled the values of integrity and compassion and family loyalty. He offered inspiration, comfort and empathy during times of poor health and economic trials, as well as celebration and encouragement in quests for triumph. To his 12 grandchildren, two honorary grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren, he was beloved “Grampy,” always available to share a lap, a story, a hug, a smile and a laugh.
Tom earned a degree in Accounting from Boston University in 1956 and returned to his alma mater to earn a degree in Religion in 1971. Early in his career, as a professional builder, he and his brothers built several homes on Russell Street, including the home in which he and Mary have spent the past 52 years. In 1993 he retired as a senior building inspector for the City of Boston.
After obtaining his degree in religion, Tom would spend the rest of his life on a spiritual journey that explored the beliefs of many faiths and he ultimately found his spiritual home in the First Congregational Church of Stoughton, where he served as a Deacon and member of the choir, and in a wide variety of volunteer roles and committees and study groups. His passion for justice, openness, and inclusivity in life was reflected in his firm commitment to his church’s effort to welcome gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender worshippers, and join same sex couples in holy matrimony.
His love of learning continued well into retirement. He subscribed to multiple publications on a wide range of topics, and read for several hours a day. His interests grew to include foreign affairs, aviation, world history, advanced mathematics, music, the great works of literature, and of course, theology.
As avidly as he pursued his scholarly studies, he also treasured the challenge and creativity that working with his hands provided. His earlier career in carpentry led to a lifelong passion for the crafting of custom furniture. Every fall he would retire to his workshop, to spend that season and the next building and completing a piece of heirloom furniture for one of his children. In spring, he would focus on his landscaping and gardening, taking particular pride in the multiple flower gardens that he had planted and nurtured through all of the years.
Tom’s greatest gifts were his ability to see, to act and to share. If he observed a colleague, a church member, a loved one or stranger suffering an injustice or despairing of a kind word, or if he could help relieve someone’s burden in any way, he would take action.
He never seemed to see his time, his wisdom, his modest budget, or his love as belonging to himself. In this way, sharing was his foundation. He allowed those around him to grow stronger and wiser. If there was son or a daughter or an in-law with something that needed to be fixed, he was the “go-to” guy. If there was a grandchild who wanted to exchange letters in Spanish, Grampy would write them.
Besides his wife Mary, Tom is survived by his sisters Joan Sullivan and Mary Barden; his children Katherine McCarthy, (wife of Paul McCarthy) of Westbrook, ME; Karen Kent, (wife of Geoff Patton) of Ashland, MA; Sheri Brooks, (wife of Alan Brooks) of Shrewsbury,MA; Thomas F. Kent, (husband of Susan Kent) of Hendersonville, TN; and Michael Kent, (husband of Heidi Kent) of Sharon, MA; and his grandchildren Corie McCarthy, (fiancé of Timothy Flannery); Rachel McCarthy; Patrick J. McCarthy, (husband of Courtney McCarthy); Alycia and Caitlyn Patton; Alex, Christopher and Katie Brooks; Thomas J.II and James Kent; Kyra and Aidan Kent; great grandchildren Finnegan and Eliza McCarthy, and two honorary grandchildren Toan Dam and Ran Liu.
A memorial service to celebrate Tom’s life will be Saturday October 23, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at First Congregational Church of Stoughton , 76 Pierce Street, Stoughton, MA 02072. In lieu of flowers, donations in Tom’s memory may be made to First Congregational Church of Stoughton