Earl R. Kidder

Earl Richard Kidder Age 88, a longtime resident of Northville, passed away peacefully on August 6, 2014 with Rena, his beloved wife of 65 years by his side. He was born on August 21, 1925; son of Hector and Emma (nee Shea) Kidder. Earl was united in marriage to Rena M. Fabbro on July 9, 1949; just celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary this past July. He proudly served his country as a Corporal in the Army Air Force during World War II. He was a General Foreman with Fisher Body where he worked for 35 years before retiring in the 1980's. After his retirement he volunteered at the Northville Library and as a Northville Township poll chairperson during the elections. He also spent some of his free time working as a starter at St. John's Golf Course and working at Parmenter's in Northville. Earl was a devoted family man. Everything in his life revolved around his family; when they went on vacation it was a true family vacation or it was a long car ride to Portage Lake. Even though his family was separated by miles, living all over the US and even in Italy, they never felt disconnected with him. He was a devout Catholic and had a deep faith. Earl and Rena were one of the founding families of St. Robert Bellarmine in Redford Township. He was a member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church where he often served as an usher. He was a 3rd Degree Knights of Columbus member and a dedicated scout leader. He loved Irish music, was an avid reader and enjoyed golfing, crossword puzzles, genealogy research and playing cards. He was a master bridge player and taught his children how to play all the card games that he enjoyed. Earl also taught his children to read using what he loved, comic strips from the newspaper. Earl was very social and a generous true friend. He enjoyed going on mystery trips with his wife and friends. Earl is survived by his wife Rena; his children, Denise (James) Putnam, Richard (Carolina Castellano) Kidder, Beth (William Barringer) Kuriluk, Jeffrey (K.C.) Kidder, Lori (Richard Goshorn) Kidder, and Mary (James) Erickson; his sister Beverly Waller; his grandchildren, Kate, Beth (Michael), Andrew, Anna, Matthew (Courtney), Daniel, Emma, Sarah, Kendall, Millicent, Leland, James, Charles, and Anthony; and his great granddaughter Tula. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters Joan McGilvery and Helen Crandall. Visitation will be held Wednesday, August 13 from 2-8pm at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 West Dunlap, Northville. A funeral mass will be held Thursday, August 14 at 10am, with visitation beginning at 9:30am at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 133 Orchard Drive, Northville. Mr. Kidder will be laid to rest at Great Lakes National Cemetery on Friday August 15 at 9:30am. In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to The Capuchins, 1820 Mt. Elliott Street, Detroit, MI 48207.