Robert E. Kett

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.