Earl Kent Rawson

July 4, 1938 – April 12, 2013

E. Kent Rawson, 74, of Belleair, passed away peacefully at his home on April 12th, 2013, surrounded by his loving family and friends. He was preceded in death by his son Randy Rawson and his granddaughter Camille Rawson, both of whom he loved dearly. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Siri Rawson; his children Kimmie (David) Geldbart of Largo, Jeffrey Rawson of Oldsmar, and daughter-in-law Vivian Rawson of Tierra Verde; his grandchildren Tyson and Baily Rawson, Rebekka, Brandon and Jackson Geldbart, and Bianca and Isabella Rawson; siblings Thomas (Helen) Rawson of Lancaster, PA, and Jeanie (Jessie) Moore of Bethlehem, PA; many nieces and nephews and his beloved Kerry Blue Terrier, Buddy Carrera.

He was born in Scranton, PA on July 4th, 1938 and was a graduate of Scranton Technical High School, class of 1956. Immediately after graduation, he served in the United States Marine Corps and was honorably discharged. He then attended Farleigh-Dickinson University where he studied engineering.

He relocated to the Tampa Bay area in 1964, where he enjoyed a very successful career in commercial HVAC sales with Metal Industries, Inc. for several years. In 1979, he founded Environmental Technologies, Inc. (ETI) in Pinellas Park. He enjoyed 28 years of tremendous success at the helm of ETI as its CEO and President, until the business was sold to Johnson Controls, Inc. in 2007.

He remained a renowned expert and industry leader in the commercial HVAC and manufacturing communities until the time of his passing.

He had a passion for Porsche automobiles and was known throughout the world for his intimate knowledge of Porsche cars, both vintage and modern. He was an active member of the Porsche Club of North America for twenty-five years, and was also a member of the Florida Porsche Owner’s Group and the 356 Registry.

He was not only a devoted husband and father, but also spent countless hours enjoying and nurturing his beloved grandchildren. He was adored by his family and by the many friends whose lives were enriched by his presence, and by his friendship.

His family mourns his loss, but celebrates his legacy. A Celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, April 21st, 2013 at 1:00 pm at Anona United Methodist Church, 13233 Indian Rocks Road, Largo, with a reception hosted by his family to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made, in his honor, to The Hospice of the Florida Suncoast, 5771 Roosevelt Blvd., Clearwater, FL 33760.

Condolences may be offered at www.mossfeasterlargo.com.