Name: State Auditor Rob Kane of Watertown dies unexpectedly
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State Auditor Rob Kane of Watertown dies unexpectedly

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State Auditor Rob Kane, a former longtime state senator from Watertown known for his easygoing manner in the state Capitol and his banter with other state employees, died unexpectedly Friday.Few details, including the cause of 53-year-old Kane’s death, were available Friday night.“Rob Kane was a great guy with a terrific sense of humor,” said Len Fasano, the former Senate minority leader who served with Kane. “He was always dedicated to the institution and service district extraordinarily well. I’m going to miss his routine phone calls, his humorous texts.”Watertown police Detective Mark Conway said police were sent to Kane’s Taft Circle home Friday “to check on a party that was not answering the phone.”“Officers met family on scene at which time the homeowner, Robert Kane, 53 years old was found deceased in the residence,” Conway said. He said there did not appear to be any suspicious circumstances, and said the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is investigating the death.More NewsIn a statement Friday evening, Gov. Ned Lamont said he was saddened to hear of Kane’s passing.“My prayers and condolences go out to his family, friends, and colleagues,” Lamont said. “Rob took pride in his public service on behalf of his constituents, understanding he was their voice in Hartford. He then assumed the role of state auditor, working on behalf of all taxpayers. All public servants should be commended for their work on behalf of our residents, and Rob took his work seriously. He will be missed at the Capitol.”Since 2017, Kane, a Republican, was one of the two state auditors — one from each major party — who oversee the office that reviews the finances of all state agencies, along with Democrat John Geragosian.Kane served as state senator for the 32nd Senate District, after winning a special election in January of 2008, until his appointment as state auditor.“Our hearts are filled with grief,” Senate Republican Leader Kevin Kelly (R-Stratford) said Friday, describing Kane as a “champion for the people of Connecticut.”“As a state senator, he served the people of the 32nd District with skill, style and compassion. Rob loved Connecticut, he loved public service, and he took great pride in helping people in need. He also loved his family and his children very much,” Kelly said. “We in the state senate were proud to call him our friend and colleague. We will miss his smile, his laugh, and his positive presence at the State Capitol. Our thoughts and prayers are with Rob’s family during this incredibly painful time.”Kane had been the top Republican on the General Assembly’s Appropriations Committee and when in office he helped pass legislation creating the Oxford Airport Development Zone, the Connecticut Antiques Trail, and a Safe Harbor for Exploited Children. He was recognized by numerous groups including the AARP, The Alzheimer’s Association, and the Connecticut Association for Healthcare at Home, which named him as a legislator of the year.“He was a conscientious public servant in his near decade-long tenure as a legislator who always advocated for what he believed to be in the interests of his constituents and the state,” said Democratic state Senator and Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney. “On behalf of the entire Senate Democratic Caucus, I extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to his children and his entire extended family.”He was the founder of KarTele in Waterbury, a cellular phone company, and served on numerous local and regional boards, and had been the board director of the Greater Waterbury Chamber of Commerce.He was a graduate of Central Connecticut State University and earned an MBA from the University of New Haven. He was a longtime resident of Watertown and was the father of two children.

State Auditor Rob Kane, a former longtime state senator from Watertown known for his easygoing manner in the state Capitol and his banter with other state employees, died unexpectedly Friday.Few details, including the cause of 53-year-old Kane’s death, were available Friday night.“Rob Kane was a great guy with a terrific sense of humor,” said Len Fasano, the former Senate minority leader who served with Kane. “He was always dedicated to the institution and service district extraordinarily well. I’m going to miss his routine phone calls, his humorous texts.”Watertown police Detective Mark...

State Auditor Rob Kane of Watertown dies unexpectedly

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