Robert D. Kane

Robert D. Kane passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 18th, 2024 with his family by his side.  Bob was 90 years of age. 

Born in Lynn, Massachusetts, Bob is the son of Dr. William Vincent Kane and Helen Gertrude (Coffey) Kane.  He attended St. Mary's Boys' High School in Lynn where it was noted that Bob enlivened many dull occasions with his humorous asides and his mischievous laughing eyes.  "Everybody loves Bob, for merriment dwells in his heart."  He carried these traits to Merrimack College where he met his future wife, Jeanne Louise (Rourke) Kane before graduating and joining the US Navy.  He trained in Bainbridge, Maryland with Company 136, 16th Battalion, 1st Regiment where he led as Guidon Bearer and was ultimately assigned to the Gearing-class destroyer USS Vesole (DD-878).  Bob was discharged to the Naval Reserves and completed his Master's in Education Psychology at Boston College.  Bob and Jeanne raised their family of four in Medford where he worked as a lifelong public servant for the Medford Public School System as both an English teacher and Guidance Counselor, primarily at the Roberts Junior High School.   He influenced countless lives as a teacher and director of the Medford Summer School program.

Bob enjoyed grand vistas of the ocean, spending afternoons driving along the north shore of Boston with Jeanne and their children.  He exercised quick wit through an inappropriate pun or turn of phrase.  He was relentless in rectifying grammatical gaffes.  Bob was a walking anthology of famous quotes, poetic excerpts, and literary allusions.  He forever enjoyed a straight-up Manhattan, rocks on the side.  He was no stranger to the ponies from Revere to Rockingham.  Bob will sorely be missed and is now reunited with friends and loved ones, in particular his daughter Lauren Kane who was with him at his death and passed away four days following.     

Bob is the beloved husband of the late Jeanne L. (Rourke) Kane.  He is the devoted father of David R. Kane, Sheila M. Pandiscio and her husband Paul, Vincent M. Kane and his wife Jennifer, and the late Lauren A. Kane and her late husband Jack Gallagher. He is the loving grandfather of Sydney and Kyle Pandiscio and Allison, Meghan and Dylan Kane.  He was the brother of the late William Kane and his late wife Virginia Kane, and the late Lawrence Kane.  Bob is the uncle of many dear nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are kindly invited to gather and share memories with his family on Saturday, May 4th, 2024 from 9 am - 12 pm in the Barile Family Funeral Home 482 Main St. (RT28) STONEHAM followed by a Funeral Service celebrating Bob's Eternal Life at 12 pm at Barile Family Funeral Home in Stoneham.  Parking attendants and elevator available.  Interment at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.  

In lieu of flowers, Bob asks that you place a bet in his honor at the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby on the day of his Interment.  If you are lucky enough to win, please keep it rolling and donate to a charity of your choice.