Born in Detroit to the late Mary and Johann Otto, John was the beloved husband of Julie (nee Santoni) for 54 years. John was the loving father of Wendy (Matt) Lamontagne, Jeff Kment, Greg Kment, Margaret (Michael) Burd, Julie (Matt) Komarowski, Chris (Samantha) Kment. He was the proud grandfather of Matthew, Daniel, Annaliese, Jacob, Grace, Luca, Alexandrea, Gabriella, Josephina, Serena, and Isabella.
John was the dear brother of Mary Ann (late Sam) Jackson and the late Lucille (Bill) Blair, Jack (Janice) Kment and Dorothy (John McCarroll). John was the cherished son-in-law to the late Frank and Margaret Santoni, brother-in-law to the late Carol (Bill) Mason and brother-in-law to Peggy (Bob) Thomas and Wendy Santoni (Jim Sheridan. John will be remembered as a caring uncle of many nieces and nephews.
John was a dedicated educator in Roseville Community Schools for 51 years and served as Superintendent of the schools for 31 years as his wife, Julie, held down the fort at home with their six children. He began his teaching career in 1968. Over time, John progressed to Assistant Principal and Athletic Director of Brablec High School and eventually Principal of Roseville High School. All the while, earning Master’s Degrees in Special Education, Social Studies, and an Education Specialist Degree in Administration. Over the years, John worked as an Adult Education and Community Education Director and served on many educational committees state-wide. In 2009, John R Kment Elementary was built, recognizing and honoring his commitment to the community. John will be remembered by the Roseville community as knowing every one of his employees names and being present at district functions. John was an outstanding educational leader, an ethical, honest, and hard-working man; but most importantly a friend to all.
In his free time, John was an avid enthusiast of classic cars. Both as a collector and an admirer, John would go to classic car shows whenever he could. At home, the yard was always flush in bloom with roses and tomato plants. John was a collector of many items, most notably was his collection of 45’s (records), which stayed labeled, perfectly organized and ready to be played on his jukebox. Naturally quick-witted, John loved to rattle off facts, especially pertaining to American and World History and was unbeatable with trivia. John also enjoyed spending his free time researching his family's genealogy. One of John’s favorite hobbies was playing cards with his friends. It would be rare to have a week pass by in which he was not having or attending a “card party”. He also enjoyed going to the casinos in Detroit. John loved all sports and undoubtedly if the television was on, he was watching the Detroit Tigers. Besides many hobbies, John loved to spend time and created many memories at the cottage in Lexington with his family. Along with his many years of dedication to Roseville, John spent many summers employed at Metro Beach eating ice cream and working with his friends. John, along with his wife Julie’s love of education and serving others, inspired all six of their children to serve the public; with five out of six children becoming educators. John will not only be missed by his family, but also their fluffy companion Frisky, the dog. Anyone who knew John, knew he always had a story to tell or a song to sing (we all knew about the bear fight and the horse in the pool).
As a beloved husband, father, grandfather, devoted educational leader, and loyal friend; John’s loss will be deeply felt by everyone who knew him.
Visitation will be held at A. H. Peters Funeral Home 32000 Schoenherr Rd Warren, MI 48088 Sunday, November 5th from 2pm until 8pm and Monday, November 6th from 2pm to 8pm with a Rosary currently pending the finalized time. John will lie in state Tuesday, November 7th at 9:30am until time of Funeral Mass at 10am at St. Veronica Catholic Church, 21440 Universal Ave, Eastpointe, MI 48021. Interment Resurrection Cemetery.
Memorial donations can be made to the American Heart Association or Roseville Scholarship Foundation.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ahpwarren.com for the Kment family.
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