KENN ALLEN BOVETTI

1943 - 2018

Kenn Allen Bovetti, born on April 13, 1943, in Visalia, CA, to Reno and Clio Bovetti, passed away on Wednesday, August 22, 2018, after a lengthy and valiant battle with health issues. Kenn grew up in a farming community southwest of Porterville, CA, with his twin brother, Keith, younger brother, Philip, and sister, Gina Merritt. He graduated from Porterville High School, then attended California State University, Fresno, graduating in 1966. While at State, Kenn was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, serving as its president. After graduation, Kenn went directly to the United States Marine Corps Officer Training School in Quantico, VA. He was deployed to Vietnam as a 2nd Lieutenant in 1967, returning after completion of his term of duty in 1968, continuing his service with the Marines at Camp Pendleton, Oceanside, CA, and Honorably Discharged in 1969. After attending law school at Golden Gate University in San Francisco, Kenn returned to the valley, practicing both civil and criminal defense law for over 43 years in Tulare, Kings, and Fresno Counties. Through his extensive practice, especially enjoying the courtroom, Kenn earned the respect of judges and lawyers alike. In turn, he respected the law and admired those who dedicated themselves to our system of justice. A man of deep faith, Kenn embraced the teachings of several spiritual ideologies. Late in his life, he was baptized into the Catholic Church, joining his mother and sister in their confirmation and dedication. He was very involved with and celebrated his American Indian heritage as a descendant of the tribal nation and gourd dancing society. Kenn had a deep respect of the Native American culture and extended Pow Wow family. Kenn was also a dedicated member of the Sons of Italy, Roma Lodge in Tulare, CA. Kenn was preceded in death by his parents; his twin brother Keith; and his brother Philip. Kenn was a proud American and a proud Veteran. He loved God, Country, the love of his life, Brenda Smith; his only child, daughter, Kristiana Bovetti; his surviving sister, Gina Merritt and husband Earl; his deceased siblings and their spouses, and his many loving nieces and nephews. His extended family was extremely important and dear to him. He never met a stranger, and Kenn thoroughly embraced meeting and getting to know so very many people from all walks of life. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Anne's Catholic Church, 378 N. "F" Street, Porterville, CA, on Tuesday, September 11, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. A Burial will follow at the Porterville Cemetery. A reception will be held thereafter at The Women's Hall, also known as Myers Funeral Reception Hall, 265 N. E St., Porterville, CA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Wounded Warriors Project; the Sons of Italy Roma Lodge Scholarship Fund, c/o Frances Della, 17383 Avenue 184, Strathmore, CA; or The American Cancer Society.