Kent Rene Pelletier

Kent Rene Pelletier, 82, of Auburn, NH, died peacefully at home with his family in attendance, just as he had wished. Kent was born in Lawrence, MA, to Rene and Bertha Pelletier in the spring of 1942. He was the baby of four siblings and spent most of his time outdoors and at the beach. He graduated Sanborn Seminary High School and New Hampshire College. 

He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing, hunting, scouting, camping, kayaking, gardening, yard work and just about anything to be outside in nature. Kent was proud of his family, his time served in the United States Army, as well as his years working in the loans department for several Massachusetts banks. Kent was somehow always able to enjoy his children's school sports teams as an assistant coach and umpire and took them on many camping and outdoor adventures, thereby instilling their love of nature as well.

Kent was happily married for more than 50 years to the most patient woman in the universe, Paula, who put up with all his antics, including freshly slaughtered fish and game by the scores, pop up campers, hunting trips and numerous howling beagles. In 2017, he was shockingly widowed by his wife of 50 years, Paula Ann (Kurz) Pelletier, who was always much healthier than he. In 2023, he lost his only son, Kent Pelletier the 2nd, not Junior.. as he reminded people on a regular basis. It was Big Kenny and Little Kenny for many years.. and then Little Kenny became too tall.. and it just got confusing for everyone. Kent was also heartbreakingly predeceased by his sister Sandra (Pelletier) DiGiovanni and Patricia (Pelletier) Mooradian and Sandra’s son, Keith DiGiovanni.

Kent is survived by his daughter, Karen Pelletier and her partner Kevin Sheehan -who were instrumental in protecting Kent’s independence and dignity in his later years. Kent is also survived by his two amazing grandchildren, Tyler and Jenna Pelletier of Manchester, NH, his brother Gary Pelletier and his wife, Shirley, of Plaistow, NH, his sister Patricia’s husband, Louis Mooradian of Seabrook, NH, and many beloved nieces and nephews, as well as two more generations of great nieces and nephews.

Thank you to all of our friends and family who shared Kent’s life journey and the Amedysis home health and Manchester Hospice, as well as our very own version of Mary Poppins, Linda Reardon and Dr. Mark Conrad who is not only an amazing vascular surgeon, but also balanced Kent’s wishes and well being with kindness and grace. 

A special thank you to Jenna and Julie Pelletier and Tom and Devon Sheehan who selflessly and on numerous occasions made it possible for Kent to live out his days in such beautiful surroundings.

There will be no immediate services. Per Kent’s wishes, there will be a ceremonial scattering of his ashes in a place that was meaningful to Kent, followed by a celebration of life at Kent and Paula’s date night restaurant in the spring. 

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the NH Fish and Game Department’s Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program.