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Kent George Rotman, 87, of Guilford passed away Aug. 3 with family at his side.

He is survived by daughter Jennifer Rotman of Durham, North Carolina; daughter Amy Rotman Riccitelli, son-in-law Joseph Riccitelli, and grandchildren Holly Riccitelli and Jared Riccitelli, all of Deep River; and son Erik Rotman of San Francisco, California. He is also survived by brother Dana Rotman (Nancy) of Wallingford, sister Nancy Duffy of Brownsville, Vermont, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and their families.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 59 years, Loretta (Betsy) Simoni Rotman, mother Olive Fritz Rotman, father Henry J. Rotman, stepmother Irene Rotman, and brother Neil Rotman, all of Connecticut.

Kent was born Oct. 7, 1932, in New Haven. He grew up in Morris Cove, attended Nathan Hale School as a child, and graduated from Hillhouse High School. He joined the Navy in 1952, during the Korean War, and served for several years aboard a mine sweeper, during which time he got to visit many countries in Europe and beyond.

After the Navy, he worked in New Haven at J. Press. It was during this time that he met and fell in love with Loretta Simoni. The two were wed in January 1961. They moved to the West Lake area of Guilford, where they spent 54 happy years.

Kent worked for many years as a warehouse manager for Karp Distributors, a carpet and flooring company in Fair Haven. When the company closed, he then went to work for Country Paint and Hardware in North Branford, where he was a familiar and knowledgeable presence to customers for many years.

Kent was always working in his yard, mowing, trimming, or tending his vegetable garden, and is fondly remembered by neighbors, friends, and family for his good humor and his readiness to help out when needed. He was well known for his annual Christmastime snack mix that he made and gave to friends and family as gifts for nearly 40 years.

In his youth he spent his days fishing and sailing along the shoreline. He recalled fondly the many times he and friends would ride their bicycles long distances to North Madison and Killingworth to explore.

Kent was a longtime resident of the West Lake area of Guilford, where he and family enjoyed swimming, canoeing, and spending time with friends. He and Betsy enjoyed a number of favorite local places, including Kate’s Country Kitchen, Hidden Kitchen, Guilford Diner, and BJ’s Restaurant, some of which have long since disappeared from the area. They also frequented the Guilford Marina and enjoyed road-tripping near and far, whether for a Sunday drive in the country, or a trip to visit children or old friends.

The family extends gratitude to the staff of Apple Rehab in Guilford and Seasons Hospice for the care and attention they provided to Kent and family.

He will be laid to rest alongside his wife Betsy in St. George Cemetery in Guilford, in a private service. His family will hold a celebration of life at a later date. Arrangements in the care of the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church St., Guilford. To share a memory or leave condolences, visit www.guilfordfuneralhome.com.