Robert M. Kennan of East Hartford, beloved husband of 57 years of Judith (Allen) Kennan, died Saturday, July 13 at Hartford Hospital. He was 73.

The son of the late Rev. Arthur and Sigrid (Dahlroth) Kennan, Bob was born on December 11, 1939 in Boston. Later his father moved his family to Martha’s Vineyard, where Rev. Arthur Kennan took over the ministry at the First Congregational Church in West Tisbury and the Federated Church in Edgartown.

Bob met the love of his life, Judy Allen, a local Island girl. They later married and started their family on Martha’s Vineyard. Bob went on to work hard and also teach his children how to swim and fish, and taught Judy the basics of quahaugging, one of their favorite family activities along with camping. As their family grew in size it was time to seek greater employment opportunities. He moved his young family off-Island to start his career at Pratt & Whitney in East Hartford, Conn., where he worked for 37 years until his retirement in 2003.

Bob and his wife Judy lived in East Hartford for the past 20 years. In his free time, Bob continued to enjoy fishing and camping, and loved being outdoors with his wife Judy gardening. He also enjoyed sports as he was an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox, Boston Bruins, Boston Celtics and New England Patriots. Bob practiced a life of dedication to both his family, whom he loved dearly, and his work. Bob was a man of high ideals and integrity.

Besides his wife Judith, Bob is survived by three children: Robert M. Kennan Jr. and his fiancée Nancy Truskoski of Bristol, Conn., Richard Kennan and his wife Patricia of Enfield, Conn., and Heidi Rydzewski and her husband Matthew of Vineyard Haven; two brothers: Erland Kennan of Sandwich and Norman Kennan and his wife Madelyn of Lynchburg, Va; as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by three sons: Ronald, William, and Eric Kennan. A funeral service will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, July 19 at Leete-Stevens Enfield Chapels, 61 South Road in Enfield, Conn.

Bob’s family will receive relatives and friends prior to the service Friday evening from 5 to 7 p.m. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. Donations in Bob’s memory may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.