Name: Visitation for RALPH L. KENT Jr.
Start: 2026-01-08T16:00:00.000Z
End: 2026-01-08T19:00:00.000Z
Location: George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home - Dedham

KENT, Ralph L. Jr. Age 83, of Dedham, passed away peacefully at home, on January 4, 2026, with his wife of 58 years, Kathleen F. (O'Brien) Kent, by his side. Born September 6, 1942, he was raised in Milton. Ralph attended Boston College High School, earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Notre Dame, and his Doctor of Science in Biostatistics from the Harvard University School of Public Health. He served for many years as Director of Biostatistics at the Forsyth Institute and was an Associate Professor at Harvard School of Dental Medicine. He is survived by his beloved wife, Kathy; his children, Sarah Kent (Gregory Blaha) of Jamaica Plain, Patrick Kent (Erin) of Sudbury, and Elizabeth Cullen (Christopher) of Wayland; four granddaughters, Nora Kent and Fiona, Isabel, and Bridget Cullen; and his sister, Ali Debarba (Eric) of Middletown, CT; and family. He was predeceased by his sisters, Genevieve Brown of Cohasset and Patricia Hampton of New York. Ralph will be remembered for his kindness, intellect, love of family, music, sailing, long walks, and long devotion to Boston College High School and the University of Notre Dame. Visiting Hours will be held at the George F. Doherty & Sons Wilson-Cannon Funeral Home, 456 High St., DEDHAM on Thursday, January 8 from 4-7pm. The Funeral will be held at the funeral home on Friday, January 9, at 12pm, followed by interment in Milton Cemetery. Reception to follow. Contributions in Ralph's memory would be gratefully appreciated to Rosie's Place or the American Society for Deaf Children. Online guestbook at gfdoherty.com George F. Doherty & Sons Dedham 781-326-0500

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Published by Boston Globe from Jan. 5 to Jan. 8, 2026.

Memories and Condolences
for RALPH KENT

8 Entries

DeBarba

January 19, 2026

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Hatice Hasturk

January 9, 2026

Dear Kent family and friends, please accept our heartfelt condolences. We were so fortunate to have the opportunity to work with him at Forsyth and previously during our tenure at Boston University. He was a brilliant statistician and a wonderful human being. We will miss him. Hatice and Alp.

Jennifer Soncini

January 8, 2026

Worked with him during my years at Forsyth. I was so lucky to know him. Smart, sweet and just an amazing human being. He leaves a legacy of intelligence, decency, respect and love.

Barbara and Jack OConnor

January 7, 2026

Dear Kathy and family, May the wonderful memories you shared with Ralph, be always with you.
Love, Barbara and Jack

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Donna Casoni

January 7, 2026

Sincere condolences to Kathy and family on the passing of Ralph. Joe and I will miss him. He always had a friendly hello for us.

Sister Michele Craig

January 7, 2026

Dear Kathy and family,
Praying for you as you prepare to say a final goodbye to your beloved husband and dad. May his gentle soul rest in peace. Ralph was a very good man and dear friend. I am with you in spirit!

Robert Hoy Jr

January 6, 2026

I was saddened to read of "Ralphie's" passing. His family and ours shared many fine times and memories back in our youth in Milton.
To his family: I hope your memories of of Ralphie console you at this time. God bless him and you all.

Ali, Eric & famliy

January 5, 2026

Kathy & family,
Our hearts and prayers are with you all. Ralph was kind, gentle, intelligent & fun. He will be missed by so many. Love to all.
Eric, Ali & family

Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results