Donald L. Kent, lifetime resident of Rowley, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2026, at the age of 94 with his children at his side. He was the devoted husband of 67 years to Virginia Ann lglehart Kent, who preceded him in death just one year ago. This loss was soon compounded by the passing of his beloved youngest daughter, Mary Katherine Kent Cierpich.
Donald was born in Ipswich, MA on September 23, 1931, son of the late Anna O. and Howard L. Kent. He began publishing the Rowley News, a small weekly newspaper, at just 13 years old from the basement of his home. With the support of his mother, he wrote local news and incorporated syndicated current events. The Rowley News was published from 1944 to 1951 and again from 1954 to 1957.
After graduating from Newburyport High School in 1949, Don served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War from 1951 to 1954. His assignments included service aboard the USS Putnam (DD-757); with Subgroup 2 of the Atlantic Reserve Fleet at the U.S. Naval Base in Philadelphia, PA; and at the Commander in Chief, U.S. Atlantic Fleet (CINCLANTFLT) Printing Plant in Norfolk, VA.
Following his honorable discharge from the Navy, Don returned home to marry Ann, whom he had met while stationed in Norfolk, VA. He resumed his career in printing, lithography, and publishing, and founded the well-known local business, Rowley Printing, Inc. For the next 35 years, he worked alongside his wife and their two sons to build and operate the family business.
Don was a tireless volunteer and philanthropist who devoted countless hours to serving his community. A committed member of the Rowley Fire Department, he served as Assistant Chief and helped lead an S&H Green Stamp fundraising campaign that provided the department with a new fire engine. As Master of the Rowley Grange, he played a key role in recruiting and hiring Rowley’s first physician. Don also served as Chairman of Rowley’s Salvation Army branch, working to ensure that elderly members of the community had the essential resources needed for daily living. In addition, he was a proud member and steadfast supporter of the Rowley VFW.
In retirement, Don especially enjoyed spending time with family and friends aboard his treasured houseboat, Rebel Yell, moored off Sandy Point in Ipswich, MA. He loved watching the Boston Red Sox and talking baseball with his grandsons. A true jack-of-all-trades, Don could fix just about anything and was always willing to lend a helping hand.
Don was the brother of the late Barbara Gaspar of Newbury, MA, and the late Richard Kent of Rowley, MA. He is survived by his younger sister, Marlene Norton of Hampton, NH. He was the adored father of five children, all of whom loved him dearly: John M. Kent and his wife, Louise; Donna K. Twombly and her husband, Bret; and David S. Kent and his wife, Marie, all of Rowley, MA; Sharon K. Cone and her husband, Dale, of Midlothian, VA; and the late Mary K. Cierpich, wife of Mark Cierpich, of Charlton, MA.
He was also the proud grandfather to ten grandchildren: Sara Twombly, Michelle Twombly Lojko (husband, Mark), Matthew Cone, Ryan Kent, Mitchell Cone, Michael Cone, Tyler Cierpich, Alyssa Kent, Julia Cierpich, and Annelise Cone. He also delighted in visits from his one great grandchild, Ellis Lojko.
Don will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family, his generosity to his community, and his remarkable ability to solve almost any problem with patience and ingenuity. Whether serving his country, building a family business, volunteering in his hometown, or simply sharing time with those he loved, he lived a life defined by service, kindness, and integrity. His legacy will endure in the family he cherished, the community he helped shape, and the many lives he touched.
A Memorial Mass was held on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at Immaculate
Conception Church of Newburyport, Massachusetts.
To light a memorial candle or to leave a message of condolence,
please visit www.fsrobertsandson.com.
~ Arrangements entrusted to F. S. Roberts & Son Funeral Home ~
