10/27/2025
Robert Charles Kinne, 78, of Canterbury, Connecticut passed away on October 25, 2025 at Backus Hospital. Bob was a lifelong resident of Canterbury. He was born in Norwich on October 26, 1946 to the late Curtis D. and Mabel (Cunningham) Kinne.
He was married to Debra Farrell on September 18, 1976 at Calvary Chapel in Canterbury. In addition to his wife, Bob leaves behind his sons Curtis C. Kinne and Ryan D. Kinne, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his half-brother James S. Cary and half-sister Ruth Cary Churchville Hibbert and Dorothy Cary Stella.
Bob proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1964 - 1968, having served one year in Da Nang Vietnam during the Tet Offensive. Bob worked for the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation Highway Maintenance for 34 years until his retirement. He later worked 5 years at Frito Lay. He worked part time for Damato Landscaping and as a seasonal security officer serving local agricultural fairs. He served as a constable for the Town of Canterbury for more than 20 years. He was a member of the Canterbury Veterans War Memorial Committee and the Kinne Preserve Bicentennial Park Commission. Bob was a life member of Canterbury VFW Post 10688 as well as a member of the Canterbury/Ekonk Grange for 63 years. He was also a former NRA pistol permit instructor. Bob had a lifelong interest in Native American Indians and often walked along riverbanks and in plowed fields searching for arrowheads and other artifacts. In his youth, Bob developed a friendship with Chief Whiteoak and Princess Red Wing of the Narragansett Indian Tribe. Around 1957, during an Indian Adoption Ceremony in Charlestown RI, Chief Whiteoak and Princess Red Wing honored Bob with the name Red Oak.
The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to everyone who provided healthcare services and emergency transportation to Bob the past three years. A special thank you to Matt Farrell for his compassion and advice, and to everyone who visited Bob.
At Robert's request, there will be no funeral services. To share memories or to send condolences, please visit www.adamscremationct.com