Obituary of Kevin C. Mansfield

Kevin C. Mansfield, a Vietnam Veteran, truck driver, and family man, passed away at home with his family at his bedside from Mesothelioma Cancer on Tuesday night, October 10, 2017. He was 61 years old. Kevin was born in Boston, MA. He was one of 10 children born to Arthur and Catherine Mansfield. He grew up and was educated in Medford and Burlington. He enlisted in the Navy at the age of 17 and served on the aircraft carrier, USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CV-42). He loved his years in the Navy, the camaraderie with his crew mates, seeing the world, and serving his country. His only regret was that serving on the World War II era aircraft carrier, he was exposed to asbestos which much likely led to him succumbing to Mesothelioma. After returning home from the Navy, Kevin went to work at Polaroid in Waltham for 25 years as a truck driver. With the decline of Polaroid, he went to work for North East Refrigeration for another 13 years. He enjoyed the independence of being on the road with the perks of doing local transportation and being able to come every night to be with his family. Kevin was a man who loved his family, friends, and home. He was the loving husband of 34 years of Marie (Walsh) Mansfield. Despite being rebuffed by his many advances, Marie finally went out on a date and the rest was history. Kevin always would affectionately say, “Marie was the Love of his life.” They made their home in Tewksbury for the past 26 years. They had 3 children and Kevin loved sharing his passions with them. He took them camping, car shows, drag races, boating, and countless other fun and memorable activities, events, and trips. New Gloucester, Maine was a very special place for Kevin and his family. Kevin and his in-laws built the family cottage on Sabbathday Lake. It was the place where the family gathered and remained close every summer. Kevin was so excited to become a grandfather. He called his home, “Camp Popop”. It was amazing how this rough and tough truck driver could become such a cream puff around his grandkids. He took them on walks, apple picking, trick or treating, beach, and any other activity they wanted. He loved watching his only grandson, Johnathan, play football and encouraging his granddaughters’ interests of drawing, make believe and sports. When Kevin was told of his illness and prognosis, he courageously accepted the news and said he was thankful for the many gifts he has blessed with during his 61 years. Kevin was the beloved husband of 34 years of Marie (Walsh) Mansfield. He was the loving father of Jen Shea & her husband Michael of Salem, NH, Kevin R. Mansfield and Christine Mansfield both of Tewksbury. He was the proud “Popop” of Johnathan, Kaylee, Emma, Stephanie, Desiree, and Katie. He was the brother of Judy Sears of Windham, NH, Sonny Mansfield of Tewksbury, Maizy McDermott of Dartmouth, Cheryl Castellucci of Tewksbury, Darlene Strickland of Tewksbury, Cathy Barrila of Billerica, Midge Sullivan of Bedford, the late Audrey Mansfield, and late Nelson Mansfield. Kevin is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends. Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., Burlington (exit 34 off Rt. 128/95, Woburn side) on Friday, Oct. 13 from 4 to 7:30 p.m. The night will end with a funeral service starting at 7:30 p.m. Memorials in Kevin’s name may be made to the Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America, 3011 Townsgate Road, Suite 450, Westlake Village, CA 91361 or www.mesorfa.org