Kenneth R. Caouette

Kenneth R. Caouette

Greenfield, MA - Kenneth R. Caouette, 91, passed away peacefully on Tuesday July 15, 2025. Born on October 23, 1933, in Turners Falls, MA, he was the son of the late Honorius and Marie Louise (Fountain) Caouette.

Kenneth graduated from Turners Falls High School in 1951, was class president and a member of the football and track teams. Upon graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, served 3 years during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1954. He attended Gonzaga University (Spokane, WA) and received his B.A. and M.A. degrees in 1958 and 1959, respectively.

From 1959 to 1966 he was a teacher and coach at Amherst Regional High School. In 1967 he became the Director of Data Processing for the school district and Town of Amherst, MA, retiring in 1993.

Kenneth was a track and field official for over 50 years, officiating on all levels including high school, over 25 years for the Dartmouth Relays, 13 NCAA Championships, USATF National Championships, World Special Olympics, USA and World Paralympics Championships, International meets and the Goodwill Games. Kenneth was one of the head starters at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, was the Coordinator of Officials for the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, and he officiated five USA Olympic Trials. He served on the Board of Directors and was National Chairman of Officials for USA Track and Field. He spoke at officials clinics throughout the country and served on six Olympic Trials Officials Selection Committees. He was inducted into the MA Track and Field Coaches, the USA Track and Field Officials, and Turners Falls High School Halls of Fame.

Kenneth was also very active in Greenfield municipal affairs, serving on a variety of town committees and coaching youth baseball and softball teams.

Kenneth enjoyed travelling and attending the activities of his children, grandchildren, and local high school sporting events. He was a Patriots, Red Sox and Celtics fan.

He was predeceased by his wife of 54 years, Eleanor (French) in 2008, a son, Kenneth in 2006, and a daughter, Lynne Markley in 2022. He leaves two daughters, Debra Maslauskas and her husband David of Greenfield, Karen Conley and her husband William of Ellington, CT, a daughter-in-law, Carolyn Caouette of Newington, CT, a son-in-law, Michael Markley of Remington, VA, nine grandchildren, Laura Murphy, Matthew Maslauskas, MaryBeth Bowler, Michelle Murphy, Russell and Emily Markley, William Conley, Kelly Hart and Courtney Conley, and four great-grandchildren, Quinn and Edward Murphy, Aiden Bowler and Bryce Murphy.

He was predeceased by three brothers, Joseph, Leo and Raymond Caouette, and four sisters, Agnes Truesdell, Ruth Olson, Anita Caouette and Rachel Niedbala.

Calling hours at the Kostanski Funeral Home in Greenfield will be Sunday July 20 from 1 to 3 p.m.

Funeral services will be private, with burial following at the Green River Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to New England Hospice, 190 Old Derby Street, Suite 304, Hingham, MA 02043.

For condolences, please visit www.kostanskifuneralhome.com.