Kent S. Thall
(July 27, 1938 – October 4, 2025)
Kent Spencer Thall, 87, of Fruitland Park, FL (formerly of Norwich, NY), passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at his son’s home in West Edmeston, NY, surrounded by his loving family.
Kent was born on July 27, 1938, in Sayre, PA, the son of the late Marvin and Yuba (Griffith) Thall. He graduated from Sayre High School. He worked for Security Mutual Life Insurance Company for several years and was a successful insurance salesman. He then worked for the Carl Payne Agency. In 1973, he and his family moved to Norwich, NY where he began his own insurance business known as KST Associates. Which he owned and operated for 25 years, even after retiring to FL. An entrepreneur and innovator, in 1986, Kent began another business known as Knightwing Studio Sounds, in Leesburg, FL. Here, he shared his passion for music and sold and installed quality stereo equipment.
Kent had a lifelong love of music. He was in a band called the Hi-Fi’s with his Dad and best friend Chuck Myers. He wrote songs, played the drums and keyboards. He had some of his songs recorded (and put on 45s) with his good friend, Bruce Beadle on vocals and guitar. His creativity extended beyond music—he wrote, directed, and produced the independent film Twice Upon a Time.
Kent’s real “favorite” was his 1966 Pontiac Bonneville convertible. Kent and Darlene would attend car shows every weekend. They enjoyed this so much, that they created the Cruisin’ Couples Classic Car Club, where they made several great friends. Kent would organize, DJ, judge and even make the trophies for all the car shows. Kent and Dar would be dressed up as Elvis and Marilyn Monroe at most of these shows.
Kent’s greatest joy was his family. He also enjoyed his camp on Lake Moraine in Hamilton, NY, where many cherished family memories were made.
Kent is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Darlene Decker Thall. He is also survived by his children, Mark (Deb) Thall, Mat (Brenda) Thall, John (Allison) Thall, Lori (Steve) Biviano, Kent “Fuzzy” Thall II, and Luke (Bonnie) Thall; his grandchildren, Daniel (Colby), David (Erika), Dustin (Erica), Brandon (Shanny), Brian, Breanna, Nathan, Andrew, and Zachary; as well as nine great-grandchildren who brought him great joy; his brothers-in-law, Chuck Sharp and Ted Decker.
Services will be held privately at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that contributions be made in Kent’s memory to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741, or Helios Care, 297 River Street Service Rd., Oneonta, NY 13820.
Kent’s family has entrusted his care to Edd Stanimer of the Johnston & Stanimer Funeral Home in Brookfield. Online condolences may be shared with his family at www.johnstonfh.com.