Obituary of Keith Kent

Keith H. Kent Olean, NY – Keith H. Kent, a long time resident of 712 Washington Street and former resident of Eden Heights, passed away on February 25, 2008 at Cuba Memorial Hospital. Born June 6, 1912 in Kane, PA, Keith was the son of Robert and Alta !DeRemer Kent. He was married to Concetta “Connie” Moricca for 49 years, who predeceased him in 1988. Mr. Kent graduated from Olean High School in 1931. A WWII Veteran, he served as a First Lieutenant with the 96th Signal Battalion US Army from 1942 to 1945 in both the African and Pacific theatres. He was employed by NY Bell Telephone Company until he retired in 1974. A dedicated public servant and activist who loved the City of Olean, Keith served on the board of the Olean YMCA and was Volunteer of the Year for the Olean YMCA for 5 years from 1979 – 1983. He was president of the local CWA, commander of the Olean American Legion and a member of the Olean Masonic Lodge #252 F&AM, Olean Elk’s Lodge #491, and Friends of the Olean Public Library. He was elected to the Olean Board of Education, served as president of numerous PTAs, and founded the Olean High School All Class School Reunion. He was Olean Democratic Party Chairman and a City of Olean mayoral candidate in 1981. Keith enjoyed hunting, fishing, horseback riding, golfing, cross country skiing and scuba diving. A Master swimmer, he was a lifeguard and swim instructor at the YMCA during his retirement. He loved to travel, and inspired all around him with his love of nature. He was the beloved father of two surviving daughters and sons-in-law, Carol and Timothy Holland of Fountain Hills, AZ and Kathleen and William Henry of Havre de Grace, MD and the loving “Pop” to four grandchildren, Lynne Henry Boyle, Tim Holland, Susan Henry Muldoon, and Michael Holland, seven great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by four brothers, William Kent, Robert Kent, Richard Kent, and John Kent. Friends will be received at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home 3128 W. State Rd. Olean on Friday (February 29, 2008) from 10am until time of services at noon. Rev. Kristen Allen, co-pastor of Christ United Methodist Church in Olean will officiate. Burial will be in St. Bonaventure Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the YMCA of Olean.