Robert Kane, 59; was professor of engineering
Robert Kane of Milton, a professor at Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology, died Sunday in a fire in his late mother's house in Milton. He was 59.
Born in Boston, Mr. Kane graduated from Milton High School in 1967. He and his wife, Mary (McGrath), met at the high school and were married in 1971. Mr. Kane earned an associate's degree in mechanical engineering from Wentworth Institute of Technology and a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Northeastern University.
Mr. Kane started teaching at Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1976 as a technical instructor of mechanical engineering. According to his brother-in-law, Paul McGrath, Mr. Kane was an original member of the MIT Black Jacks, an organization for card-game aficionados.
In 2003, Mr. Kane left MIT and started teaching at Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology. He taught mechanical engineering technology and was cochairman of the department.
Michael Taylor, a colleague, remembered Mr. Kane as a passionate professor who was dedicated to his students.
"He was a gifted teacher, he devoted his life to his students. He enhanced confidence and inspired creativity," said Taylor. "He was a gifted man, no question about it."
Mr. Kane enjoyed traveling with his family. He would take them to locations across the country, including Hawaii, Arizona, and Florida. One year he took his daughters to France, said his wife. "He was very involved in their lives," she said.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Kane leaves his daughters, Kristin Montgomery of Easton and Laura Kane of Milton; two brothers, Jack of Mansfield and Steven of Halifax; a grandson and a granddaughter.
A funeral Mass will be said at 10 a.m. today at St. Elizabeth Church in Milton. 