WORCESTER-Robert E. Kett, 73, of Worcester and Wells, Maine, passed away Friday, May 12 in Rose Monahan Hospice Home surrounded by his loving family.
He leaves his wife, Karen M. (Sauer) Kett; three sons, Patrick M. Kett and his wife, Lindsay (Noonan) of East Falmouth, James J. Kett and his wife, Christine (Rhieu) of Worcester and Casey R. Kett and his wife, Jaclyn (McTigue) of Worcester; three grandsons, Stephen, Joseph and Aiden; a brother, Joseph P. Kett of San Diego, CA; a sister, Mary Ellen Kett, and husband Alden Bianchi, of Ogunquit, ME, nieces and a nephew, as well many cousins here and in Dungarvan, Ireland, whom he enjoyed visiting.
Bob, or Bobby as many knew him growing up, was born in Worcester, son of Joseph and Rita (O’Malley) Kett. He graduated from St. Peter’s High School, received his Bachelors and Master’s degrees from Worcester State College, and also served in the 181st Infantry Division of the Massachusetts Army National Guard.
Bob was an educator at Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School, working passionately as an English teacher and then the Dean of Students. He also worked part-time as a bartender throughout Worcester and Ogunquit, ME. He often said that tending bar was the last job he would ever want to quit because he could see his lifetime of friends, former students and athletes, as they enjoyed so many events in their own lives. Bob was the head coach for the College of the Holy Cross Women’s Soccer team from 1983-88, where his teams still maintain the highest winning percentage in the program’s history. As a beloved coach, Bob developed life-long friendships with his former players and enjoyed hearing about all of their accomplishments over the years.
What brought Bob the most joy was spending time with family and friends in Worcester and Moody Beach, Maine. Bob was an orchestrator of good times for family and friends, forever showing his charismatic smile and personality that brought many memories to all that knew him. Nothing brought Bob greater joy than being surrounded by his sons and grandsons, especially at sporting events and family gatherings. Bob was so proud of all that they accomplished and was present every step of the way. He beamed with pride introducing his sons and grandsons and loved to talk about them any chance he could. More than anything else, he loved having his family around him especially when it was a full house in Maine.
Bob’s family would like to recognize and thank Wanda Diaz, Jonathan and Taylor of Laura’s Guardian Angels, as well as Patty O’Dell, nurses, and staff at Rose Monahan Hospice Home.
A Funeral Mass will be held Friday, May 19 at 11am in St. John’s Church, 40 Temple St. in Worcester, MA. Burial will be private in St. John’s Cemetery There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to_ St John’s Food for the Poor in Worcester, MA.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Melanie
May 20, 2023
I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Kett´s passing. I will never forget our chats over an intense round of tic tac toe. I never did beat him- but as an adult I realized it wasn´t about the game- but the conversations and sharing a genuine connection. May he rest in peace.
Corinne Allen Heymann (88)
May 19, 2023
Rest in peace, Mr. Kett.
Mike Daley
May 19, 2023
Mr. Kett was one of a kind. He was always a beacon of light. He was always looking to help others any chance he could get. He will be missed by many, many people. Rest in Peace, Mr. Kett.
Betzy
May 18, 2023
The message sent by Betzy has an incorrect last name noted - it is Betzy Turcotte-Tasker
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Cherie Lundberg
May 18, 2023
I first meet Mr Kett when I was in highschool I found out I was pregnant and he helped me to stay in school after having the baby he made me see that staying in school was what I needed to do to let my kids know that no matter what happens in life you need an education. He helped me in more ways then I can write here Mr Kett was a very good Dean, teacher and mentor he will be missed.
Joanne Revelli
May 18, 2023
Who could EVER FORGET BOB KETT??? I had the pleasure of first meeting Bob on the "other side of the bar" at WAC. We were a r/ball league of 14-18 ladies back in the 80´s/90´s. Bob would serve us with "refreshments" after rounds of r/ball. We were always laughing as he regaled us with all his "stories" and "antics" while serving us up with his never ending smiles. Karen and family, our sincere sympathies go out to you all. Cherish all your wonderful memories, as all who knew Bob will do. RIP, Bob!
On behalf of the Wednesday Night Wackies.
Joanne (Carney) Revelli
Nicole Buzzell
May 18, 2023
One of the few people that said "I could make it"... with his strength and support..I graduated with him saying " I told you would make it"
Mr. Kett was the first one there to greet me as I walked off the stage. I will NEVER forget that moment. I will never forget Mr. Kett... I have that picture and memory alive in my heart to share with all my family and friends. May the Lord be with you
Kelley Schmidt
May 17, 2023
My sincere condolences to Bob's family and friends. He was truly a wonderful, funny, caring man and will be missed tremendously. I had the privilege of working with Bob at Assabet and he made it a fun and pleasant experience while I was there.
Priscilla A. Underwood
May 17, 2023
Dear Kett family,
I am saddened to hear of Bob's passing. My husband Jim knew him well. He was a great guy. God bless
The Underwood family
Mary-Ellen (Turcotte) MacLeod
May 17, 2023
I am beyond saddened to hear of Bob's passing. I used to love it when I was told that I was going to be the subsitute for his English class because it was always a "joyful & spirited" room. Karen, I will never forget when you were pregnant with Casey, the back blackboard was devoted to baby name suggestions from the students. My personal favorites were "Etta" for a girl and "Rock" for a boy. This is just one small instance of the many years of happy, engaged students in a welcoming environment.
When there is saddness in a well loved family, there is saddness in us all. Please take comfort in knowing that Bob left many lives richer and he will be remembered with HUGE grins on our faces.
So very sorry for your loss.
Ray Harding
May 17, 2023
Mr. Kett was a one of a kind person who saw the best in all of his students. He was a firm hand when it was needed but an open ear and heart for all of us. He left a big impact on my life for the better and I´m so glad I got the opportunity to have known him.
Ken Duane-Visitor's Service-Ogunquit.
May 17, 2023
Bob was a good friend and a great person to just be near. He loved people and was an inspiation of kindness and caring to all of us who worked with him. He will be greatly missed.
Betzy Turciie
May 16, 2023
He was my favorite teacher, advisor and friend - when I think of him - he brings me back to the best time of my life - I love you Bob- you make me smile every time I think of you-
Jade Gates (Butler)
May 16, 2023
Deeply saddened to hear that Mr. Kett passed away. He was the Dean of students and one of my biggest supporters during
My academic career. He believed in his students. I have many fond memories of him. My condolences to his family.
Scott Ayres
May 16, 2023
Godspeed Coach Kett
Lisa smalley
May 16, 2023
I am so sad to hear that such a great man is no longer with us! Mr. Kett was my English teacher in 1982 and was the one teacher in my life that truly changed me! To this day when my security questions are asked my answer has always been Mr. Kett. To his family my thoughts and prayers are with you, having him in our lives was truly a blessing!
Mary Anne Coveney
May 16, 2023
My sincere condolences. My dad, Paul (prior Dean of Students at Assabet) so admired and enjoyed Bob as a friend and co-worker.
I fondly remember so many fun stories.
Our prayers are with you .
Mary Anne Sheehan - Coveney
Jeff Berkowitz
May 16, 2023
My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Mr. Kett I am sorry for your loss.
Rob McNabb
May 16, 2023
My condolences to all of Mr. Ketts family. He was an amazing Dean and I am thankful for all that he taught me in those tough years. RIP Mr. Kett a true Assabet Valley LEGEND!!
Rachel Wood (Evers)
May 16, 2023
My condolences go out to Mr. Kett´s family. He was the dean of students when I attended Assabet. He was a great role model and had such a fun personality. P&D had a lot of fun memories with him.
Class of 98.
Richard and Valerie (Tegu) Watkins
May 16, 2023
Our deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Kett. He was our class advisor and simply an amazing individual and had a fabulous sense of humor.
Class of 1980
Rhonda DiMatteo
May 16, 2023
Me Kett was the reason I got to graduate with my class. He believed in me and help me get through a rough but beautiful time in my life.
Janet
May 16, 2023
My sincere condolences to the family, I had Mr Kett for English when I was in high school. I always remember his joyous disposition. ~
Liz (Cotoni) Trumpolt
May 16, 2023
Mr. Kett was a great man. He was my English Teacher when I was at Assabet (class of '79). He always made learning fun. My Deepest Sympathies to his family.
Liz (Cotoni) Trumpolt
Linda Yost (Sousa)
May 16, 2023
So saddened to hear of Mr. Kett's passing. He was Dean of Students when I attended High School, (class of 98). He'd walk past me in the hall and always throw out a "Ms. Sousa.. stay out of trouble". He was one of a kind. May he rest easy and may his family take comfort in knowing he made high school bearable for many kids. (myself included)
Kristin Braga
May 16, 2023
I am deeply saddened to learn of Mr. Kett´s passing. He was the Dean of students when I attended Assabet, class of 98. I will never forget every time he saw me senior year he would start singing `Blue Bayou´. He was always so nice. May he rest in eternal peace. My prayers and thoughts are with his family.
Jennifer Pierce
May 16, 2023
I´m sorry sorry for his family´s loss. Mr. Kett was the dean while I attended Assabet class of 97. I always stopped by his office to snag a soda from his fridge and a snack. He was always amazing. I was blessed to see him years after I graduated, bartending a wedding in Worcester. My condolences to his family.
Marybeth Amato Duffin
May 16, 2023
I am so sorry to learn of Mr. Kett´s passing. He was one of the nicest teachers I had ever met at Assabet. His family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Marybeth Amato Duffin `87
Justin Kosuk
May 16, 2023
Mr. Kett was the Dean of students during my time at Assabet. Ended up in his office a few times! One of the nicest people I ever met. So sorry for your loss!
Class of 2005
Brenda Avey Bordagaray
May 16, 2023
Mr Kett was one of the best. Sending my love and prayers to the whole Kett family.
Brenda Avey Bordagaray class of 87
Mary Russell
May 16, 2023
I am sorry to hear about Mr Kett passing. He was my English teacher at Assabet. He made learning fun. Prayers for his family
Rest in Peace.
Assabet Class of 85
Cecilia fuentes
May 16, 2023
So sad to hear the passing of Mr. Kett. He was a great man! He was an amazing mentor and Dean of Students at Assabet Class of 2000
Fred Meyer Jr.
May 16, 2023
So sorry to hear of Mr Kett passing away. He was one of my favorite teachers at Assabet !!
Loved his story´s and games in class !!
Class of 1985
Fred Meyer Jr.
Dean Melanson
May 16, 2023
I had Mr. Kett as a teacher at Assabet back in the 70's. He was a great teacher, mentor and friend. He exemplified all that is desired in great teachers. I am so sorry for your loss.
Kristina Z
May 16, 2023
I´m so sorry for your loss I graduated in 2001 and have many memories of Mr.Kett. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Gabrielle
May 16, 2023
Mr Kett made a difference in so many lives! Mine being one of them. Rest in peace, my thoughts and prayers are with his family
Marilyn (Santos) Coltran
May 16, 2023
I´m so sorry to hear of Mr Kett passing away. I graduated in 2002 and have many fond memories of Mr Kett. May he rest in eternal peace.
Vicky Borowski
May 16, 2023
So very sorry for you loss. Mr. Kett was such a wonderful teacher. He was my English teacher at AV in the 80s. One on my favorites. God bless his family during this difficult time.
marie burison
May 15, 2023
Casey, so sorry to hear this. Cherish your memories . Marie Burison
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