ROBERT J. "BOB" KANE

1942 - 2017

KANE, Robert J. "Bob" EASTON——-Robert J. "Bob" Kane, 74, founder and co-owner of Kane Funeral Home & Cremation Services and a resident of Easton for the past 52 years, died peacefully with dignity and care with his loving family and longtime best friend and business partner by his side on Saturday, April 22, 2017 at Brigham & Women's Hospital in Boston after a brief illness. Born in Boston, a son of the late James and Madeline (Gokey) Kane, he was raised in Boston and was a graduate of Brighton High School. Bob continued his education at New England Institute of Anatomy, Embalming, Sanitary Science and Funeral Directing, Kenmore Square, Boston, receiving a Diploma in 1961. He furthered his education at Suffolk University in Boston earning at Bachelor of Arts in 1966. Later in his professional career he advanced his studies by earning a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) from Emmanuel College in Boston in 2004 at the age of 62. Bob moved to Easton in 1965 and began working in the Easton Public School System as a substitute teacher in hopes of being appointed to a full time teaching position. Bob would often take walks around Stonehill College in Easton when he first settled in town and began to build a personal friendship with members of the Congregation of Holy Cross Priest and Brothers. During his conversations with the late Rev. John Murphy C.S.C. and Brother James Madigan C.S.C. they were both influential in recommending Bob to open his own funeral home. After reflecting upon their advice, he established Kane Funeral Home & Cremation Services in 1968 at the age of 25. During his beginning years of operating the funeral home and building relationships to support his goals, he worked as a professional trade embalmer for numerous funeral homes from Boston to the South Shore for over 40 years. As Bob's reputation and business grew throughout the years he knew he would eventually need assistance to help maintain and run the operations as well as to continue in the future what he worked so hard to establish. In 1987, by fate, he met Stephen Raymond, who at the age of 18 was seeking a career in funeral service. Bob enrolled him as an apprentice and the two created a mutually respected professional working relationship and the closest of family like friendship. Both shared the same goals regarding funeral service: foremost, to treat the deceased with the utmost dignity and care, secondly, provide each family with guidance, compassion and empathy and last, be ethical both in life and in the profession of funeral service. In 1995 he sold the majority of the interest in the business to Stephen while remaining a co-owner, mentor and advisor of the funeral home until his passing. From 1966-1970 Bob served at New England Institute for Funeral Service Education in Kenmore Square, Boston, as a Professor of Embalming, Funeral Directing, History and Restorative Art, as well as the Director of Admissions and Student Counselor. Bob was appointed to the Massachusetts Commission on Medico-Legal Investigations for over six years commencing in 1982, representing Funeral Service on the Board. He later resumed teaching at the New England Institute for Funeral Service Education @ Mt. Ida College, from 1988-2000 as an Instructor in Embalming, Funeral Directing, Restorative Art and History of Funeral Directing, Program Advisor, Acting Program Director and Program Director. The numerous students enrolled in the program of Funeral Service throughout the years and those who he had the pleasure of educating and advising has made Funeral Service in the Commonwealth the respected profession it is today. He was the Founder and Facilitator of the Kenmore Square Institute for Continuing Education, LLC since 2000 traveling around the state and conducting seminars for funeral directors to obtain the necessary required CEU's in the Commonwealth. He also served as the Program Director, Funeral Certificate Program, Massasoit Community College, from 2005-2006. Bob's professional licensure consisted of the following: Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer, Commonwealth of Massachusetts since 1963, Certified Educator, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Certified Funeral Service Professional, CFSP (Ambassador for the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice), and a Member of the British Institute of Embalmers. Bob was a Notary Public and Justice of the Peace. He served the Community of Easton in various capacities of Town Government for over 40 years and was a past member of the Easton Housing Authority, former Selectman and a member of the Easton Board of Health from 1981-2011 serving many years as chairman. His contributions helped Easton to become a better community. A founding member and communicant of the Holy Cross Church in Easton, he served as head usher, taught faith formation classes and was the recipient of the Marian Medal. Bob served as a longtime corporator of the North Easton Savings Bank, he was a member of the Natural Resource Trust of Easton, The Ames Free Library in Easton, The Easton Democratic Town Committee, Registrar of Voters in Easton, A life member of both the Knights of Columbus Council 238 of Easton and The Easton Lions Club, a 4th degree member of the Cardinal O'Connell Assembly and a member of the Mountain View Yacht Club in Gilford, NH. Bob's professional licensure consisted of the following: Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer, Commonwealth of Massachusetts since 1963, Certified Educator, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Certified Funeral Service Professional, CFSP (Ambassador for the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice, and a Member of the British Institute of Embalmers. He enjoyed friendships within and outside the community which he held dearly, including funeral service professionals. Bob was an antique car enthusiast and had recently restored a car similar to his first one he ever owned, a Hudson, which would often be seen in the Town of Easton parades. His greatest pleasure was a lifetime spent at his cottage home on Bear Island, Lake Winnipesaukee, NH. An avid boater, his love and devotion to family including his brothers, sister, nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles will be forever remembered. He will be always be missed by Stephen & MaryBeth Raymond and their children Kayla, Jackie, Courtney and Sean whom he had the pleasure for 17 years watch grow, mentor, advise and share priceless memories. Bob is survived by two brothers, Albert Kane of Merrimack, NH and Thomas Kane of Easton; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was also the brother of the late Richard Kane, Peter Kane and Madeline Sullivan. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours on Wednesday from 3-8 p.m. in Kane Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 605 Washington St. (Rte.138) Easton. A funeral Mass will be held on Thursday at 10:00 a.m. in the Holy Cross Church, 225 Purchase St., Easton. In lieu of flowers donations in Bob's memory may be sent to Brigham & Women's Hospital, Cardiovascular Research, c/o Development Office 116 Huntington Ave, 3rd Floor, Boston, MA. 02116 or https://giving.brighamandwomens.org/bri For directions or condolences visit kanefuneralhome.com.