Eliot W. Bent

Eliot William Bent, 83, (Retired MFD) of Milton, MA, passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side on Tuesday, June 24, 2025.  He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 59 years, Linda (Hardy) Bent.

Eliot is survived by his deeply loved and devoted children: Eddie (Kelly) Bent of Foxboro, Lauren (Jeff) Murphy of Milton, Lisa (Todd) Stirling of Milton, Kristen (Mark) McGillivary of Milton, a Michael (Meghan) Bent of Dover. He was endlessly proud of his thirteen grandchildren, who lovingly called him “Gump”: Kevin, Tayla, Elizabeth (Jake), Victoria, Caroline, Matthew, Keaton, Sarah, Samantha, Kendall, Avery, William, and Reese—as well as his great-granddaughter, Lilliana.

He is also survived by his cherished sister, Leslie (Bent) Carlmark, four nieces—Lee Leahy, Lynn Carlmark, Lois Shimanek, and Debbie Hawkins—and one nephew, Tucker Carlmark.  He was predeceased by his loving parents, William and Lucille (Morse) Bent, and by his nephews, Steven Hawkins and David Hardy.

Eliot grew up in Milton and spent his summers at Rocky Nook, where some of his fondest childhood memories were made.  A proud graduate of Milton High School, Class of 1960, he went on to serve his country by joining the United States Navy.  In 1963, he married the love of his life, Linda.  Shortly thereafter, he began his long and dedicated career with the Milton Fire Department, where he served his community with pride and distinction for 34 years.

Those who knew Eliot knew he was one of the hardest-working, strongest, and most humble men you could ever meet, always ready to lend a helping hand.  He found his greatest joy in simply being with his family.  Life in a family of seven meant plenty of wild adventures—full of laughter, love, and memories that will last a lifetime.

Eliot had a deep love for his work as a proud firefighter and the owner of Bent Landscaping, not to mention his many other jobs such as delivering oil, snow plowing, trash collection and being the custodian at his church.  Even later in life, he could be found cruising on his mower, tending to the lawns he loved.

He found joy in the simple things like fishing, boating, and being near the ocean.  He cherished watching his children/grandchildren play sports and sipping on his medium Dunkins or drinking coffee frappes at the Wharf.  He enjoyed breakfast at Emma’s, dinner at the 99, cruising through the streets of Milton, and hanging at the farm with his best friend Joe.  He always had his scanner on, keeping up with the doings of the Milton Fire Department, his second family.  A lifelong Boston sports fan, he rarely missed a Red Sox, Bruins, Patriots, or Celtics game.

He will be missed more than words can express.  His absence leaves a void that can never be filled.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to the compassionate staff at BID–Milton Hospital for the exceptional care and kindness they provided, ensuring Eliot’s final days were peaceful and comfortable.  They also send their heartfelt thanks to the devoted and supportive team at Winter Valley, where Eliot made his home for the past three years and formed lasting bonds that brought him great joy and comfort.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Milton Firefighters Relief Association, 515 Canton Ave, Milton MA.

Visiting hours will be held at the Alfred D. Thomas Funeral Home, 326 Granite Ave, Milton, Sunday, June 29th from 4:00 to 8:00 pm.  Funeral Service at the United Congregational Church, 495 Canton Ave, Milton, Monday morning June 30th at 11am.  Burial to follow at Milton cemetery. 

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