Obituary of Dennis Charles Kent

Dennis Charles Kent was born in Waterville, ME, on August 9, 1957. He passed away peacefully on November 12, 2024, after a courageous battle with mantle cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He was surrounded by his loving wife of 47 years, JoAnna, their two sons, Jonathan and Matthew, his faithful companion Babs, as well as the compassionate staff at Mass General Brigham Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital.

Dennis spent his life in Benton, where he owned and operated a dairy, hay, and wood business while also working at Sappi Fine Paper for 36 years. He graduated from Lawrence High and Bangor Community College with a degree in agriculture and animal husbandry. His passion for community service led him to serve for many years on the local PAL board, where he supported youth athletics and helped create a positive environment for young athletes. In recent years, he worked alongside local organizations to honor the veterans of Benton, playing a key role in the implementation of the Hometown Heroes Program.

Dennis was passionate about sports throughout his life, playing basketball, softball, and baseball. He made it to Nationals three times with his softball teams and was a devoted fan of the Red Sox, Celtics, and Patriots. However, his greatest joy came from coaching. He took three AAU basketball teams to National tournaments with his sons and cherished the moments when former players greeted him as “Coach.” In recent years, he could often be found on the Winslow sidelines, cheering on his god-grandchildren.

Dennis was the epitome of a caring and loving son, ensuring that both his parents could fulfill their wishes to pass away at home. He was never too busy to plow out a neighbor and would travel hundreds of miles to attend the events of his beloved nieces and nephews.

Anyone who knew Dennis could see where his heart lay — his family. Until the very end, he spoke with endless pride and love about his sons and their families. He always said that his daughters-in-law had him at "Dad," and his favorite word was "Grandpa."

Before his recent hospitalization, Dennis and JoAnna enjoyed a two-week adventure in Alaska with Gene Kent and Jennifer Martel. The trip brought him immense joy. On November 9, they celebrated the 50th anniversary of their first date, a milestone Dennis never forgot. Each year, he greeted JoAnna with “Happy Anniversary” as soon as he woke up, followed by his signature, “Gotcha!” This year was no exception. When asked for the secret to a long marriage, Dennis always said, “When I get up in the morning, I say two things: ‘I’m sorry’ and ‘Yes, dear,’ and I’m set for the day.” Of course, he would add that he was “tricked” into marriage, often joking, “When JoAnna and I were dating, she used to make me pies. Now that we’re married, I never get pie.”

Dennis was many things to many people: husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, friend, and coach. This is why he and JoAnna were blessed by the constant stream of family and friends who visited them during their three-month stay in Boston near the end of Dennis’ life. Both Dennis and JoAnna were deeply touched by the warmth and support they received from the people of Boston — from the skilled professionals at Dana-Farber, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and Spaulding Rehabilitation, to the hotel staff and transportation providers. JoAnna stated that she never felt alone.

Dennis is predeceased by his parents, Charles Kent Jr. and Nina (Bailey), as well as his adopted son, Scott Horne. He is survived by his wife, JoAnna (Mosher), whom he married on June 3, 1977; his two sons, Jonathan Daniel and wife, Sara (Rademacher); and Matthew Ryan and wife, Jennifer (Samples); and seven grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, David Allen and wife, Phyllis (Libby), of Standish, ME; his sister, Eleanor Mae Peavey and Clair Culver, of Central Square, NY; his sister, Ruth Ann Doucette and husband, David, of Tucson, AZ; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, godchildren, and a vast community of lifelong friends and members of the hay business, both customers and crew.

A celebration of life will be held on May 31, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at the Waterville Elks Lodge #905 in the Pavilion. A graveside service will follow at Brown Memorial in East Benton.

In lieu of flowers, please bring a pie to the celebration of life or gifts may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in memory of Dennis Kent to support cancer research and patient care at:

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

In Memory of Dennis Kent

PO Box 849168

Boston, MA 02284

Or via their website www.dana-farber.org/gift

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at ripostafh.com