FEEDING HILLS - Kevin N. Sexton, 64 of Feeding Hills, passed away on Monday, February 27, 2012 at Baystate Medical Center surrounded by his loving family. Kevin was born in Springfield on May 24, 1947 a son of Elizabeth (Dobles) Sexton and the late Leonard Sexton. He is survived by his beloved wife Elizabeth (Chapman) Sexton of Feeding Hills, and his loving mother Elizabeth (Bette) Sexton of Springfield. He leaves his daughter Kristin Wilson, her husband David, grandson Camden (Cam), and granddaughter Ailsa (Muffin) of Ludlow, daughter Karen Gajowski, her husband William, and granddaughter Emma (Doodles) of Ludlow, son Jeffrey Sexton, his wife Kristi-Lynn, granddaughter Emily-Lynn (Pumpkin), and grandson Ryan (Ry-Guy) of Agawam. His five grandchildren will miss their Poppi very much. He also leaves his sister Linda Walker and her husband George of Springfield, his uncle David Dobles of Hampden, MA and his mother-in-law Lois Chapman of Windsor, CT. In addition to his father he was also predeceased by his father-in-law Waldo Chapman. There are many other family members and friends who will miss him terribly. He was a graduate of Springfield Technical High School Class of 1965 and he also graduated from Springfield Technical Institute (STCC) in 1968. Kevin proudly served our country in the United States Coast Guard during the Vietnam War. He was employed as a Facilities Engineer by Hamilton Sundstrand where he was able to travel the world, building facilities before retiring in 2009 after thirty-one years of service. Kevin was a member of the Springfield Yacht and Canoe Club (SYCC) for 42 years where he served as past commodore. He enjoyed boating with his family on the Long Island Sound and at Hamburg Cove. He was also known as "Poppi" to many of the children at the club where he ran the annual fishing derby. A gathering for family & friends will be held on Thursday, March 1, 2012 from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at the Colonial Forastiere Funeral Home 985 Main Street, Agawam, MA 01001. Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life Ceremony at 11A.M. on Friday, March 2, 2012 at the funeral home. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Kevin's memory to the Shriners Hospital for Children 516 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104.

[Published in The Springfield Republican from February 28 to February 29, 2012]