FRANKLIN/MEDWAY: Alan R Kober

Alan R. Kober passed away on December 7, 2025, just short of his 89th birthday. Beloved husband of Frances E. (O’Connell) Kober for 66 years. Devoted father to Kelly Kober of Medway, Gregg Kober and his wife Janyce of York, SC, Kathleen Meservey and her husband Mark of Reedville, VA, and the late Michael Kober. He is also survived by seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Al was born in Orange, New Jersey to Ransford and Annette Kober. During his childhood, the family moved to Maine and Ohio, then settled back to New Jersey. Al was 17 when he graduated Madison, NJ High School, the youngest in his graduating class, and he was not interested in attending college. After much discussion, his parents signed off on his enlistment to the United States Army. Al entered the Army in 1954 and served three years, including 31 months as a Military Police in Germany. He was stationed 18 months in Munich, and 13 months in Berchtesgaden. After his honorable discharge, Al briefly attended Michigan State University on the Korean GI bill and then returned to New Jersey where he followed in his father’s footsteps and became a property and casualty insurance adjuster.

Al and Fran were married in 1959. As a young, married father spending days on the road assessing claims, he realized he needed a college degree to support his growing family. He attended Fairleigh Dickinson University night school, often going from work to class while Fran raised their four children. Al considered himself fortunate to serve his country and miss combat, but benefit from both the Korean and Vietnam GI bills. After six years of night school, he graduated with his bachelor’s degree in 1967.

In 1970, Al and his family moved to Franklin, MA for a new job opportunity with Mutual Fire Association of New England. He obtained his Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter designation in 1977, and eventually became President of Mutual Fire. In 2000, at the age of 63, Al started “the best job he ever had” as Vice President of Administration for The Andover Companies and Board member for Bay State Insurance Co. He retired in 2014 at the age of 77.

Al loved Hank Williams and old style country music, Westerns, Kettle One Vodka, and The Duke John Wayne. There was always a paperback novel in his car or in his hand. He was immensely proud of his military service, supported Veteran’s organizations, and regularly gifted U.S. Flags to family members. Donations to the Wounded Warriors Project https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/ or to USO https://www.uso.org/ in Al’s honor would be appreciated.

A private family service will be held with a celebration of life in the spring.

Arrangements are under the care of the Ginley Crowley Funeral Home, 3 Barber St. in Medway ginleyfuneralhomes.com