Richard B. Kent, Sr.

RICHARD B. KENT, SR, age 83 of Groton, passed away on Thursday, May 16, 2024 at Lawrence and Memorial Hospital in New London. 

He was born on February 1,1941 the son of Perley Kent, Sr and Inez Matteson Kent. 

Richard was married to Virginia Akerman on July 6th in 1963.

He attended Robert E. Fitch High School and served in the U. S. Navy from to 1960 through 1964.

He was the owner of R. B. Kent & Son, Inc. Commercial Refrigeration and Air Conditioning sales and service, serving many customers in Eastern Connecticut.

Early on in his career he taught for RSES, as well as, the Sub School in Groton.  He was a member of the Groton Elks and Groton Heights Baptist Church and past president of the Groton Lions Club, the Groton Rotary Club and he had been a member and past commodore of the Shennecossett Yacht Club. His lifelong dedication to public service, the military and church were a prominent part of his contribution to the community, and his generosity of time and resources to all organizations were of utmost importance in his life.   

R B is survived by his wife Ginny, his son Richard B. Kent, Jr of Gales Ferry, daughter in law Loretta, his daughter Lori Polakoff and son in law Phil, of White Hall, MD, by his sisters, Natalie Tognari and Nancy Adams both of FL and Barbara Garrison of OK, by his grandchildren; Tim Cross/Brittany, Justin Shayer/James, Ashton Flight/Ben, Abby Polakoff, and Bradley Kent/Meghann, as well as four great grandchildren Damien and Dean Cross, and Landon and Jaxson Flight.  He is predeceased by his brothers, Perley, Jr and Edwin and his sisters, Patricia Sintak and Carol Mather.   For his entire life, his big heart moved heaven and earth for his family and he will be sorely missed.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday May 21st, 2024 from 4:00-7:00pm at Byles Funeral Home, Thames Street, Groton.  Funeral service will be held on Wednesday May 22, 2024 at 11:00 am at Groton Heights Baptist Church, Broad St., Groton. Interment with Military Honors will be in Colonel Ledyard Cemetery, Groton and Fellowship will follow at Groton Heights Baptist Church.  

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be directed to the Groton Rotary Club, P.O. Box 798, Groton, CT 06340 or the Groton Lodge of Elks, 700 Shennecossett Road, Groton, CT 06340.