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‘A beautiful soul’: Kent mourns Robbie Kennedy
Ruth Epstein
Feb 18, 2026
KENT — A sense of sadness pervaded the town this week as news of the death of Robert (Robbie) Kennedy spread. Kennedy died Monday, Feb. 9, at the age of 71.
Kennedy was a beacon of light, known by legions of citizens, if not personally, but as the guy who could be seen riding his bicycle in all kinds of weather, determined to get to his destination; yet always taking the time for a wave. Kennedy faced challenges, but there were no barriers when it came to making an impact on all who knew him.
Remembrances of him abounded in conversations throughout town and on the hundreds of messages posted on social media. His sister-in-law, Apple Kennedy, summed up what everyone was saying — “a beautiful soul.”
The son of the late John and Olga Kennedy, Kennedy was born in Guam. His father, a physician, worked for the World Health Organization and was chief of public health for USAID. The family, which consisted of eight children, lived on and off overseas and would come back to Kent during leaves. Kennedy attended the Devereux School before entering Housatonic Valley Regional High School, graduating in 1974.
His sister Gretchen Kennedy said in their early days in Kent, her brother would walk her infant son in his stroller and visit all the businesses. That was his introduction to townspeople and how he became an integral part of the community. Joe Bianchi kept his cows in the Kennedys’ barn, she said, which sparked Kennedy’s deep love of animals. “He worshipped the ground Joe walked on, and would so look forward to him coming every afternoon to feed the animals and bring him candy.”
His sister said the family was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and kind words about her brother. “He loved life to the fullest. His sudden death spared him so much pain and loss of independence. It was very much a blessing.”
Gary Davis, former owner of the local IGA supermarket, recalled how his mother, the late Anne Davis, hired Kennedy 31 years ago. He worked until Covid hit. He was assigned specific tasks, such as unloading trucks, cleaning the store or cardboard compaction. Davis said he took his responsibilities seriously, was always courteous with the customers and was a joy to be around.
“Robbie was never in a bad mood,” said Davis. “It worked out for us and for him. He was considered part of the IGA family. Recently I got together with him a lot. It’s tough to lose a buddy. I miss him so much.”
Davis echoed what many were saying about Kennedy. “Everybody knew him and he knew everybody. He was a real town character.” His sister said some dubbed him, “The mayor of Kent.”
Always eager to be involved and yearning companionship, Kennedy wanted very much to be part of the Kent Volunteer Fire Department. Member Ed Matson said he was honored to be named an active emergency member. He would ride his bike from his then-home in north Kent to the firehouse for meetings. “When his bike failed him, we all chipped in to buy him a new one that even had a flashing light to ensure his safety.”
The department put out a statement about his death, saying “His smile, his wave and his spirit will be missed greatly, not just by his KVFD family, but so many in our community.”
Matson spoke about Kennedy never uttering a bad word about anyone. “He was a simple, caring person who tried to help everyone. Many people didn’t know the things he did for others.” But those who were neighbors of Kennedy when he moved to Templeton Farms senior apartments, knew first-hand how he would always give assistance. Ruth Woodard described his kind acts, including shoveling snow off cars or bringing residents their mail. “He had such a big heart,” she said.
Ben Martin met Kennedy when they both attended youth park and recreation games: Martin as a dad and Kennedy as a spectator. Martin is the football coach at Kent School and just before the season started two years ago, he invited Kennedy to be his volunteer assistant coach. It was a deep honor and a responsibility he took seriously. He would do all the tasks asked of him, along with encouraging accountability from the players.
“He was my right-hand man,” said Martin. “Often he and I were the first at practice and the last to leave. The kids really loved him. He was my best buddy. We’d sometimes go out for lunch or to a movie. I valued my relationship with him.”
Martin and the team presented Kennedy with a varsity letter and Kennedy was so pleased to have him come to his apartment to see it framed and on the wall.
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church became an important part of Kennedy’s life in the last few years. The former pastor, the Rev. Douglas Worthington, welcomed him and “helped him along in the spirit of growth and acceptance,” said current pastor, the Rev. Richard Clark. He became a crucifer, carrying the cross and leading the procession in his white robe during services. “He wanted to do it right, so we practiced,” said Clark. “The church was a special place for him.”
Resident Melissa Cherniske said when she was a Boy Scout mother, Kennedy would come to meetings to learn how to tie knots or participate in whatever the lesson was. Even more recently he organized drum circles outside Foreign Cargo, the store owned by his brother Jeff Kennedy on Main Street.
The family will hold a celebration of life on May 9, which will include a service at St. Andrew’s followed by a reception at the fire house.
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Roberta Katherine Stevens
Millerton News
Feb 18, 2026
CANAAN — Roberta Katherine (Briggs) Stevens, 86, of 99 South Canaan Rd. died Feb. 11, 2026, at Sharon Hospital. Roberta was born on March 7, 1939, in Sharon, daughter of the late Frederick and Catherine (Penny) Briggs.
Roberta has been a life-long area resident. She studied pediatric nursing at St. Margaret’s in Albany, New York and worked as a pediatric nurse. After leaving nursing Roberta was a cook at the Maplebrook School in Amenia. Her love for children extended to Roberta establishing a daycare out of her own home for many years. She loved collecting and displaying her dolls for the community. She would take her dog on walks to listen to the church bell ringing. Roberta’s greatest joy came as she helped take care of her grandchildren. That opportunity provided Roberta with some of her fondest and most precious memories. Roberta is remembered as a person who always had a story to tell...and a helping hand to lend. Always one to stay active, Roberta became the President of the Resident’s Council of The Geer Health and Rehabilitation Center in Canaan.
Roberta is survived by her two children; Robert D. “Bob” Stevens of Millerton, and Donna M. Archer of Rockledge, Pennsylvania; her brother Frederick G. Briggs, and her sister Annette Shaffer. Roberta was predeceased by her sister June Briggs. Roberta is also survived by her two grandsons; Robert Stevens Jr. and his partner Elizabeth Gillett of Austin, Texas, and Josh Archer and his wife Ashley Archer Monteiro of Jenkintown, Pennsylvania.
There will be a small private service and celebration of Roberta’s life in the future. Arrangements are under the care of the Newkirk-Palmer Funeral Home 118 Main St. Canaan, CT 06018.
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Tilden W. Southack
Millerton News
Feb 18, 2026
SHARON — Tilden W. Southack Jr. a longtime resident of Sharon passed Feb. 13, 2026, peacefully, hand in hand with the person he cared about most, Karlee McGhee and a couple of his employees and friends.
He was born May 25, 1950, the son of Jean (Bunny) Southack and Tilden Southack, and brother to Barbara (Bobby) Southack and Sally Southack.
Tilden graduated high school from Wooster School of Danbury and earned a college degree in business and economics from Colorado State University. Tilden told stories of being the manager of a varsity football team and hockey team during his time at Wooster.
After his immediate family had passed or moved on, Tilden continued to run his family farm, Whitetail Farm in Sharon. He poured his blood, sweat and tears into every last inch of soil there and cared for his Angus cattle and Percheron horses and a handful of cats with the help of Karlee McGhee, Wayne McGhee, Scott Garay, Charles Parmalee, and Prestyn Handlowich as well as some high school boys as Tilden called them.
Tilden also enjoyed anything that could go fast, whether that was a motorcycle or a corvette that he had fixed up to make 10x more horsepower than it did before. Just as much he loved to tell stories about it to the people he held close. He was like a muscle car, he might yell and scream at you, but he would’ve given you all he had. He wasn’t an easy person to read/understand, and he kept to himself about most things but if he allowed you to grow close to him and he said “Thank you” you were a lucky person.
He is survived by his chosen family; Karlee McGhee and Wayne McGhee and three nephews, Eric Muller, Bogart Muller, and James DiGanzi.
There will be calling hours on Saturday, Feb. 21, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Burial will be held in the spring at Sharon East Side Cemetery.
The Kenny Funeral Home has care of arrangements.
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Robert Sommer Kennedy
Millerton News
Feb 18, 2026
KENT — Robert “Rob” Kennedy (71), of Kent, devoted son of Dr. John E. Kennedy and Olga Sommer Kennedy, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, Feb. 9, 2026, at the home of his brother and sister-in-law in Kent. Rob was a long-time, well-loved member of the Kent community.
Born in Guam, Rob’s early years were spent traveling the globe with his family for his dad’s work as an MD in Micronesia, Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia, Thailand, and Zaire. In 1962 the family of 9 settled in Kent, Rob attended the Devereux School and graduated from Housatonic Valley Regional High School. Rob worked at South Kent School, where he was known for his good humor, and kindness toward students and staff. For most of his working life he could be found at Davis IGA in Kent, greeting customers with the warmth and familiarity that made him a recognizable and welcoming face in town.
Known to many in town as “Coach Rob,” he spent countless hours volunteering with Kent Park & Recreation and at Kent School. His patience, enthusiasm, and genuine care for young people made him a beloved friend to generations of local kids.
Rob was also deeply connected to the community through his involvement with the Kent Volunteer Fire Department and St. Andrew’s Church, both of which were important parts of his life. Rob loved caring for animals. For many years he kept sheep and a donkey at the family homestead in North Kent. Neighborhood pets got daily walks while Rob lived in-town at Templeton Farms.
Rob is predeceased by his parents and infant brother, Michael. He is survived by 6 siblings; Kathleen Kennedy Enger (Filmore), John Kennedy (Kathleen), Karen Kennedy Wilson (Robert), Gretchen Kennedy, Clytie Kennedy, Jeffery Kennedy (Apple), 17 nieces and nephews, Uncle Donald Sommer, Nancy Sommer, and many friends who will miss him dearly.
A service is planned for May 9 at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Kent followed by a celebration of life at the Kent Fire House. In lieu of flowers, donations in Rob’s memory may be sent to the Kent Volunteer Fire Department or St. Andrew’s Church.
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Carolyn G. McCarthy
Millerton News
Feb 18, 2026
LAKEVILLE — Carolyn G. McCarthy, 88, a long time resident of Indian Mountain Road, passed away peacefully at home on Feb. 7, 2026.
She was born on Sept. 8, 1937, in Hollis, New York. She was the youngest daughter of the late William James and Ruth Anderson Gedge of Indian Mountain Road.
Carolyn’s first job out of high school was at the Time and Life building in Manhattan, New York. In 1956, she went on to work for Capital Airlines until they disbanded. She began banking in White Plains, New York, where she met her husband Edward James McCarthy. They started their family and relocated to Pleasant Valley, New York. She then returned to banking in Poughkeepsie, New York and later pursued real estate.
Carolyn was very creative and enjoyed home making, gardening, sewing, knitting, cooking and baking. Her Christmas cookies were always remarkable. She had a pioneer spirit and embraced the toil of yard chores. She was very independent and at 87 she still shoveled the driveway in the winter, mowed the grass, trimmed the bushes, raked the leaves and dragged the brush. She took pride in the manicure of the grounds where she resided.
Carolyn was a wonderful mother who had an enormous heart. She loved all animals, wild or tame. She will be dearly missed by her family and the people that knew her.
She is predeceased by her husband, Edward McCarthy Sr., her brother Dr. Stafford Gedge of Minnesota, nephews, William, James and Robert and niece Christine.
She is survived by her son, Edward (Anne) McCarthy of Greenfield, Massachusetts and grandsons James and Theodore, son Sean McCarthy of Oak Hill, New York, sister Nancy Dougherty of South Carolina, nieces Lynn Warner and Debra Phillips.
A private service will be held at a later date. The Kenny Funeral Home has care of arrangements.
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Letter to the Editor — Thursday, Feb. 18
Millerton News
Feb 18, 2026
Thanks from Fire Co.
On Sunday, February 15, the Amenia Fire Company sponsored our monthly Pancake Breakfast. We were pleased to have a nice crowd of 180 people in attendance for our monthly meal. We rely on the breakfasts to raise needed money for general operations and we always appreciate the support of the community. We thank everyone who attends our events and hope you will join us at our next breakfast on March 15 at the firehouse.
Andy Murphy,
on behalf of the Breakfast Committee, Amenia Fire Co. & Auxiliary
Amenia
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