South Deerfield, MA – Kent Converse, 72, born August 17, 1953, in Milford, CT, passed away on February 7, 2026, leaving a legacy of craftsmanship, curiosity, and deep love for his family.
Kent shared 45 devoted years with his beloved wife, Nancy. Together they built a life rooted in love, laughter, and commitment. He took greatest joy in watching his children and grandchildren grow, celebrating their accomplishments with quiet pride.
Kent attended culinary school and became the heart of every gathering, known affectionately as “the gravy master.” Whether cooking a simple meal or a feast, he prepared food with precision and care. He worked professionally as a computer programmer, blending logic and creativity, and held a lifelong fascination with engineering and how things work.
A gifted woodworker, carpenter, landscaper, and all-around handyman, Kent could build or fix nearly anything. As a trusted caretaker of homes in the hill towns, his craftsmanship and integrity earned lasting respect and friendships.
Raised along Long Island Sound, he developed a lifelong love of swimming, fishing, and sailing. In 1990, Kent and Nancy moved to Western Mass., where he enjoyed life near the Deerfield River-tubing with his children and later mastering fly fishing and tying his own flies. He sailed from Connecticut to Florida, bicycled solo from Connecticut to Canada, collected rare coins and nautical treasures, played poker and chess with friends, read widely, studied astronomy and engineering, and played the flute.
Kent is survived by his wife, Nancy; his children Zac Andross (Jen), Kyle Converse (Katie), Ashley Converse (Jeff), and Abigail Converse (JJ); his grandchildren Teagan, Liam, Louisa, Huxley, and Jett; his siblings Marquis (Hilary), Marshall (Maria), Celeste (Ray), Corinne, Christine (TT), and Muriel; and a loving community of friends and caregivers. He was predeceased by his parents, Norman and Dorothy (Tomlin); his brothers Russell and Norman; his nephew, Josh; and his devoted service monkey, Farah.
Kent will be remembered as resourceful, creative, and endlessly positive, maintaining a gentle spirit despite significant challenges over the past 20 years. His ability to find joy in small things inspired all who knew him.
A memorial service will be held Sunday, February 22 at 2:00 p.m. at the Federated Church on Main Street in Charlemont, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Envisioning Access (formerly Helping Hands: Monkey Helpers for the Disabled).
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