Allan R. Kennett, 56

BELMONT — Allan "AK" Richard Kennett, 56, of Gilmanton Road, died unexpectedly on Nov. 14, 2024, leaving his family and friends heartbroken and in disbelief.

Allan was born on Jan. 1, 1968, in Concord, to Donna Cole-Grant, the first baby born at Concord Hospital. He grew up and attended schools in Franklin, and finished his high school years at Exeter Area High School playing defensive tackle for the Blue Hawks football team.

Once out of high school he went to work for Webster Valve Co. (WATTS) in Franklin, spending over 20 years there making numerous lifelong friends. His WATTS family, whom he loved dearly, lovingly nicknamed him AK, Big Al, Baby Gorilla and Silverback which stayed with him his lifetime. In turn he had many nicknames for them.

As a single parent raising a child, he also worked a second job at Walmart in Tilton. Allan had a tremendous work ethic and took good care of his children and other family members who needed it. Once he obtained his CDL-A he drove tractor trailer covering the entire USA. He enjoyed many adventures along the way. After a couple of years of being on the road, and missing his family, he left long-distance trucking. He loved the big rigs and drove for CRST, Casella Waste Systems and recently for Cormier Builders. He loved driving that old dump truck even though it broke down at the most inopportune times.

He enjoyed all sports. And was an avid fan of the Pittsburg Steelers, New York Yankees and Dale Earnhardt Sr., collecting tons of memorabilia of all three. He enjoyed going to the NASCAR races in Loudon with his mother, daughter Brittany, and on occasion with his best friend, Walter Gonyer Jr. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, riding his Honda, and going to the shooting range. His greatest joy was spending time with family and friends.

Allan was a wonderful father, son, brother, papoo, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend. He resided with his mother, Donna Cole-Grant, the last seven years of his life. He was her handyman, chef, comic relief and protector. She will grieve for him her remaining days/years.

Allan is survived by his daughters Maria Kennett and Brittany Talbot-Kennett (Charles Davis IV); mother Donna Cole-Grant; his younger brothers Todd Kennett and Trevor Kennett and sister-in-law Shauna Kennett; grandchildren Selena Mae Sottile-Vroman (Devon Vroman) and Richard Allan Gray; niece Miranda Threlfall (James Dearborn) and their sons Griffin and Alden Dearborn; nephew Trenton Kennett; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins and his many extended family members. Allan was predeceased by his beloved grandmother Freda Cole McHugh.

Allan will forever be known for his love of family and friends. His sense of humor would bring a smile to all who knew and loved him. He would give the biggest bear hugs with a kiss planted on the recipient’s forehead. We will miss those hugs. Though the time was short we were blessed to have had Allan in our lives.

There will be no calling hours.

A celebration of life will be held 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, at the VFW, 26 Peabody Place, Franklin.

In lieu of flowers we ask that a donation in his honor be made to the American Diabetes Association.

Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, is assisting the family with arrangements.