Donald H Kent

Donald H. Kent was born February 25, 1931, in Boston, MA to George E. & Marguerite C. Kent. He grew up in West Roxbury and Dedham, MA and graduated from Dedham High School in 1948 and Boston University School of Management in 1952 with a Bachelor of Science degree. He served in the US Army from 1952 to 1954. His last assignment was with the G2 Section of the 82nd Airborne Division.

He met Janice (Jay) Raynes at Boston University and married the love of his life on July 26, 1953. They have five children.

After his service, Don worked for S.S. Pierce Co, Boston for 10 years and was Director of Food Purchases for a number of years. In 1968, Don and a partner started a specialty food distribution business, Weathervane Foods, Inc. After 10 years he sold out to his partner and moved to Naples, ME. Don & his wife, Jay, purchased a gift store in Naples and developed it into a gift and Christmas store called Country Sleigh. They operated it for 20 years. Don also operated a Specialty Foods and Confectionery brokerage business until 2006.

He volunteered his time to the Fix It program of the Southern Maine Agency on Aging, delivered Meals on Wheels with his wife, and took on variety of projects for the Naples Library.

In 2011, Don & Jay moved to South Portland, ME and enjoyed 12 years in their Carlisle Place community. He spent a number of years finishing their 300 sq ft basement into a work area which could be converted into a ping pong room so the entire family could paddle away for first place!

2023 saw them move to South Yarmouth, MA where they lived at Thirwood Place. Don & Jay spent many days with their children re-exploring Cape Cod, where Don spent his childhood on Jefferson Shores.

As a teenager his favorite pastime was sailing his beetlecat. Tennis was his sport and he played from high school on into his senior years. His wife, Jay, was his favorite doubles partner. Fishing, biking, kayaking, and hiking were also high on the list.

Above all, Don cherished his family – he is predeceased by his grandson, Steven Michael Kent. He is survived by his wife, Jay, his children; Mark & Sue Kent, Donna Kent & Billy Pitt, Debbi Kent & Jan Snyder, Steven & Cathy Kent, and Jon & Regina Kent, 13 grandchildren; Matthew, Thomas, Christopher, Patrick, Tim, Sorei, Dustin, Joshua, Kristy, Justin, Felicia, John, Brittani, and 12 great-grandchildren; Jaden, Trinity, Olivia, Greysen, Rowan, Cora, DJ, Neelix, Adalynn, Ryan, Teddy, and Leon

Services are being held privately. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pan Mass Challenge. Mark will be dedicating this year’s ride to his father. His PMC link is as follows:

https://profile.unpaved.org/MK0082