1942 - 2026
Born on January 16, 1942, in Worcester, Kent grew up in Millbury and attended local schools. He was the son of the late Frank Howand Taft and Sylvia (Swallow) Taft.
Kent is survived by his four children: Kent Taft Jr. and his wife Michele of Shrewsbury, Michael Taft and his wife Melissa of Webster, Thomas Taft of Uxbridge, and Suzanne Sullivan and her husband Michael of Uxbridge. He also leaves behind his brother, Calvin Taft of Ohio, as well as 17 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.
Throughout his life, Kent was known for his hard work and dedication. He spent many years employed at the former General Motors plant in Framingham, later worked as a truck driver for Valley Transportation, and concluded his career as warehouse supervisor for Prime Materials in Uxbridge. Remarkably, he continued working until the age of 80.
Family, sports, and the outdoors were at the heart of Kent’s life. He loved fishing, especially sharing the experience with his grandchildren, who often released his bait back into the water with the memorable phrase, “swim fishies swim.” He enjoyed camping with family and friends and was famous for waking everyone up early to gather wood for the campfire.
A lifelong baseball enthusiast, Kent coached youth baseball from Little League through the high school level. His passion for the game later inspired him to establish an adult softball league, where countless friendships were formed and memories were made.
Kent will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his love of family, his sense of humor, and the countless lives he touched through coaching, friendship, and community involvement.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, June 25th from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. at the Buma Funeral Home, located at 101 North Main Street in Uxbridge.
A funeral service will follow at 12:00 P.M. at the funeral home.
A celebration luncheon will be held afterward at Grill 122.
Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Kent’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Kent’s legacy of family, friendship, coaching, and community spirit will continue to live on through the many people whose lives he enriched.
