Obituary of Melvin Kent, Sr.

Melvin Kent, Sr., 71, of Millville died early Sunday morning, April 23, 2017 at his home under the care of hospice following an extended illness. Born in Port Norris to the late George Kent and Esther Enals Kent, he was the fiance of Ella Brooks of Millville. Melvin had resided in Millville since 1998 and prior to that he had lived in Port Norris. Prior to his retirement, Melvin had worked for Bivalve Packing in Port Norris as a fork lift operator for over 30 years. He had also worked as a cook at Duffenetti's Italian Restaurant in Wildwood since he was 14 years old. Melvin had been previously employed at Surfside Seafood in Port Norris, Snow's Seafood in Cape May, Hickory Steakhouse in Bridgeton and Aselta Restaurant in Port Elizabeth. He was a veteran of the United States Army serving during the Vietnam conflict where he earned a Purple Heart. He is survived by; his fiance, Ella Brooks of Millville; nine children, Melvin Kent Porter and his wife, Heidi of the Bronx, NY, Andrea “Angie” Bunton and her husband, George of Millville, Kimberly Jones and her husband Michael of Port Norris, Sherelle Santiago and her husband, Jose, Jr. of Millville, Janell Fitchett and her husband, John, Jr. of Port Norris, Melvin Kent, Jr. and his wife, Jenn of Millville, Taray Broughton, Sr. and his wife Sarah of Port Norris, Naketta Lockley of Bridgeton and Tiareia Nicholson and her husband, Tyheem of Vineland; a step-son, Leonard Brooks and his wife, Jennifer of Millville; nine brothers and sisters and a whole heap of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by; two daughters, Jessica Evans and Sonya Broughton and 12 siblings. Funeral services will be held at Shiloh Baptist Church, 2411 Memorial Ave., Port Norris on Friday, April 28th at 11 AM. Interment will take place at Haleyville Methodist Cemetery in Commercial Twp. Friends will be received at the church from 9 AM to 11 AM prior to the services. Written condolences can be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.padgettfuneralhomes.com.