Kevin James Judge

Kevin James Judge Kevin James Judge passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on May 7, 2015 after a long battle with congestive heart failure and cardiac amyloidosis. Born on St. Patrick's Day in 1936 and raised in Lawrence, Massachusetts, Kevin attended St. Patrick's School, Central Catholic High School, and graduated from Lawrence High School in 1953. Throughout his school years Kevin played in competitive sports. He enlisted in the Army and became an Army Airborne Ranger in the 503rd Infantry Regiment. After being honorably discharged he attended the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, graduating with a business degree. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He earned an MBA at Anna Maria College in Paxton, MA in 1978. Kevin enjoyed a 27-year career with Merck Sharp & Dohme, the pharmaceutical division of Merck & Co. He managed sales territories in New England and was later selected as the first Health Science Associate in cardiovascular disease assigned to teaching hospitals in New England. In 1982, Kevin was promoted to Merck's U. S. headquarters in West Point, PA, where he assumed the newly created position of National Field Manager in Health Science Services. Subsequently, he held the position of Manager of Field Communications and later was responsible for establishment of the Company's Health Science program in Gastroenterology. Kevin and his team were instrumental in the launch of Pepcid and later, Prilosec. Kevin was known throughout Merck as a true leader and followed by his team with utmost respect and loyalty. His willingness to support his people was legendary and they responded with significant results in achieving their assigned goals during his tenure. Kevin epitomized leadership in its purest form. He retired from Merck in 1993 and relocated to Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Kevin and his wife, Dee, then discovered the beauty and peace of Hilton Head Island and relocated there in 2004. His days on the golf courses of Hilton Head were some of the happiest days of his retirement. Kevin and Dee spent many summers at Bonnet Shores in Narragansett, RI. He filled his retirement days reading, taking car trips, following politics and sports. He was a lover of all sports and a loyal, passionate fan of Boston teams -Red Sox, Patriots, Bruins, and Celtics. Kevin was predeceased by his parents, James & Mary (McDonough) Judge and his son, Michael. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Dolores (Rossi) Judge; his son, Stephen D. Judge, and his daughter, Kathleen Judge, both of Topsfield, MA; and his sister, Sheila (Judge) Coffey of Southington, CT. Kevin was a proud "Grampy" to four grandchildren--London, Declan, Rowan and Casey Judge-and loved to share in their activities and achievements. He was a loving uncle to several nieces and nephews. Kevin will be remembered by those who knew and loved him as a gentle, but strong man who loved his friends and would always "have their back." Loyalty and friendship were the very essence of who he was. Kevin maintained lifelong friendship going back to his grade school days. It was also his innate genuineness and sincerity of purpose that made him so unique. No matter who he met, he took the time to connect with them on a personal and caring level. His moments of greatest joy were celebrating the success and good fortune of others. Kevin was truly a selfless man who was always able to wring absolute joy out of life. He will be missed. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 AM on Thursday, May 14, 2015 at St. Francis by the Sea Catholic Church. Inurnment will follow at the Columbarium. A celebration of life will be held in June in New England. Funeral arrangements will be handled by The Island Funeral Home and Crematory. Condolences may be sent to theislandfuneralhome.com.