Thomas J. Kent

Thomas J. Kent, of Rosemont, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully at Bryn Mawr Hospital on October 11, 2026, at the age of 85, following a brief illness.

Born on September 10, 1941, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Tom was the youngest of two children born to Joseph and Margaret Kent. He was preceded in death by his parents; his half-brother, Jim, and Jim’s wife, Mary; and his brother-in-law, Ted Dyer, husband of his sister, Margaret Dyer. Tom’s family moved to Rosemont in 1943 where Tom remained for much of his life.

Tom attended grade school at St. Thomas of Villanova and high school at both Monsignor Bonner and Malvern Prep. He went on to attend West Chester State College, now West Chester University, where he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. He later completed his principal certification at Villanova University. In 1983, Tom earned his doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania.

Tom was married to Phyllis Doud Kent for 58 years. Tom and Phyllis’s love story began with a chance meeting at a piano bar in Philadelphia, where they were both out with groups of friends. Their first date was at the Devon Horse Show, and the rest, as they say, is history. They were married on September 14, 1968, and welcomed their first son, Tom, in January 1970, followed by their second son, Doug, in March 1974.

Tom devoted his life to education, serving as a teacher, coach, administrator, and college professor. His career began with a year of teaching elementary Physical Education in Absecon, New Jersey, before he returned to Delaware County to teach and coach at Sun Valley High School. Tom often shared stories about the school's memorable undefeated 11–0 football season in 1973, a time he remembered fondly.

From Sun Valley, Tom began his administrative career in the West Chester Area School District. He served as an assistant principal in middle school and high school, principal of Fugett Middle School, Director of Curriculum, and ultimately Superintendent of Schools, a position he held from June 1988 until June 1997 and during which he served on West Chester University’s President’s Advisory Council. After 33 years in public education, Tom retired for a full two days before he began teaching full time at Immaculata University, where he remained for another 10 years.

Throughout his 43 years in education, Tom was deeply student-centered and committed to continually improving the educational opportunities and experiences available to children. Above all, Tom loved teaching. His dedication to students, his passion for learning, and his belief in the importance of education defined his professional life.

Tom was especially proud to be named a Distinguished Alumnus of West Chester University in 1996. He also had the honor of delivering the university's commencement address, a fitting recognition of his lifelong commitment to education and his alma mater.

Following his retirement from Immaculata University, Tom devoted his time to what mattered most to him: his family. He cherished every moment spent with his two sons, their wives, and his five beloved grandchildren. Their home in Rosemont was the setting for countless holidays and family celebrations, creating memories that will be treasured for years to come. Tom also loved spending time with his family at their second home in Ocean City, New Jersey, where they enjoyed making even more special memories together.

Tom was a faithful Catholic and a lifelong parishioner of St. Thomas of Villanova Parish, which his family joined in 1943. His deep faith was a cornerstone of his life, and he and Phyllis passed that faith on to their children and grandchildren.

Tom also enjoyed playing golf and was a member of Whitemarsh Valley Country Club for many years.

Tom will be deeply missed by his beloved wife of 58 years, Phyllis; his son, Tom, and daughter-in-law, Amanda, and their children, Thomas, Kate, and Molly; and his son, Doug, and daughter-in-law, Johanna, and their daughters, Mackenzie and Riley. He is also survived by his sister, Margaret Dyer; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Mike and Sheila Henry; his brother-in-law, Jim Delaney; and his fourteen nieces and nephews. Phyllis’s twin sister, Pamela Delaney, preceded Tom in death.

Tom’s legacy of faith, family, service, and dedication to education will live on through the many lives he touched and the family he cherished.

Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate Tom's life on Monday, October 19, 2026, at St. Thomas of Villanova Church on the university's main campus, 800 Lancaster Ave., Villanova PA 19085. Visitation will be held at the church from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m., followed by the Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m.  Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery, West Conshohocken, PA.

For guests who do not require accessible parking, preferred parking is available across the street. Please approach via Lancaster Avenue (Route 30) and turn onto St. Thomas Way. Guests with mobility needs should enter campus from Spring Mill Road (Route 320) toward Tolentine Hall. Attendants will direct guests toward the church and a designated drop-off area. Please note that parking in this area is limited.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Augustinian Friars https://augustinian.org or St. Joseph's Indian School ,1301 North Main Street, Chamberlin, SD 57325.