Kevin F. Cox, 62, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday August 26, 2025. He was born on January 2,1963 in Newburyport, MA to George H. and Mary L. (Reilly) Cox of West Newbury, MA. He was a lifelong resident of West Newbury and most recently a resident at Baker-Katz Nursing Home in Haverhill, MA.
Kevin, a proud graduate of Pentucket Regional High School Class of 1982, was deeply devoted to his school and its sports teams. Afflicted with Spina Bifida at birth, he did not let his disability limit or define him. He happily and eagerly participated in backyard games and activities with his siblings and never shied away from challenging or competitive situations. While a student at Pentucket he contributed as a manager and statistician for the football, basketball, and baseball teams and remained a lifelong supporter of the Sachems; never considering himself a Panther! Kevin also participated in adaptive sports leagues, including the Special Olympics, Haverhill Elks Bowling League, and Essex County Street Hockey League, where he received several awards. He was proud of his massive baseball card collection and supported all Boston sports teams, especially the Bruins and Red Sox. He served as bat boy and took great pride in watching his father, brother and cousin play baseball together on the Boyles Drug championship teams of the Northeast Baseball League during the 1970’s. Kevin was a past member of the Gardner 4 Hand Tub Association of West Newbury and enjoyed attending musters. Known for his humor and sarcasm, he enjoyed engaging in playful banter with anyone, especially about sports. Despite his lifelong disability, Kevin showed remarkable determination and courage facing his daily challenges and will be remembered for his resilience and unmatched spirit.
Kevin was predeceased by parents George and Mary Cox and leaves brother Robert Cox and wife Betsy of Haverhill, sisters Denise Cox of Eugene, Oregon, Diane (Cox) Band and husband David of Wilmington, North Carolina and Vicki (Cox) Johnson of Jesup, Georgia. He also leaves Aunts Deborah (Cox) Garretson of Framingham, Joanne Reilly of Newburyport, MA and Uncle Arthur Reilly of Bonita Springs, Florida as well as many loving and supportive cousins, nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Kevin’s name to the Pentucket Athletic Association, PO Box 323, West Newbury, MA 01985 or contact them at pentucketathleticassn@gmail.com.
A Celebration of Life for Kevin will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 11am to 3pm at Pica’s Greenhouse, 18 Ayers Village Road (Route 97), Methuen, MA 01844. Arrangements were made with Paul C. Rogers Family Funeral Home, 2 Hillside Avenue, Amesbury, MA 01913.