Gerald Joseph Kent

Gerald Joseph Kent III, age 85, passed away on Friday, March 25, 2016 at Sharp Memorial Hospital in San Diego, California, after a sudden illness. He was a long time resident of Princeton, New Jersey, and Bucks County, Pennsylvania, before moving to Northfield, New Hampshire, in 2007, then to San Diego in 2015. Jerry was the beloved husband of Birgit E. (Albert) for 35 years. He was the proud father of Christine Kent and husband Jack Roosma of Princeton, New Jersey, Matthew Kent and wife Sandra Bovee of Princeton, New Jersey, from a previous marriage and Samantha Kent and husband Timothy Butterfield of San Diego, California. Loving grandfather of Holden Butterfield of San Diego, California. He is also survived by a niece and nephew and in-laws in Bremen, Germany. Jerry was born on November 24, 1930 in Newark, New Jersey, the only child of Gerald Joseph and Elizabeth Tisdale (Platt) Kent. He grew up in Hillside, New Jersey, and graduated from Hillside High School and The Lawrenceville School. A natural athlete, he starred on both the baseball and football teams and was named to the 1948 all-state football team. The memories of those games and the friendships he formed with his teammates during those years were treasured his entire life. Jerry developed a passion for studying and learning and found his vocation in organic chemistry. He graduated from Upsala College with a B.S. degree in 1955 and he was awarded graduate degrees in organic chemistry at Princeton University, earning a master’s degree in 1958 and a Ph.D. in 1959. He holds many patents from his time working as a research chemist at Merck Pharmaceutical Company in Rahway, New Jersey. In 1962 he was appointed associate professor of chemistry and chairman of the division of natural sciences at Rider College in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. Instrumental in creating and shaping every aspect of the new science division at Rider College, he designed the new science building and labs, recruited and hired the faculty, and developed the curriculum. Dr. Kent’s 32 years of leadership, dedication, and high standards of teaching helped build the foundation of the science department at Rider University. In 1980, he was awarded the Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Distinguished Teaching Award to recognize faculty teaching excellence at Rider. He retired from Rider in 1994, but remained active in the field through volunteer teaching and consulting. As an avid tennis player, Jerry played almost every day well into his 70’s. He also obtained his pilot’s license and for many years owned and flew a Cessna 172. His three dogs Morris, Sophie and Maddie were particularly special to him and brought him great joy. He was active in the Lutheran Church wherever he lived. Jerry was devoted to his family, his church, and the success of his students. He loved talking to people and he loved sharing his knowledge of chemistry. Jerry’s stories and laughter will be very missed. A private memorial will be celebrated with family. Donations to honor Jerry may be made to Rider University, Attn: Denise Pinney, University Advancement Lib. 137, 2083 Lawrenceville Road, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648-3099. Contributions made in his memory will be designated for the Rider University Chemistry Department.