Michael "Mickey" Kendra Jr.

Michael "Mickey" Kendra Jr., 87, of Wilkes-Barre, passed away at home Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2021, surrounded by his loving family.

Mickey was born in Wilkes-Barre, a son of the late Michael and Josephine Wielga Kendra. He attended GAR High School, where he excelled in football as a stellar guard, and still holds the record of most interceptions in one game (5 interceptions in 1952). More importantly, he met the love of his life in high school, Anna Mae Loftus. After graduation, Mickey joined the United States Air Force where he attained the rank of airman 1st class. After his four-year stint in the Air Force, Mickey returned to Wilkes-Barre and married Anna Mae.

They had three children, Michael, Kevin and Kim Ann; 10 grandchildren; and 5 great-grandchildren.

Mickey worked at the Railway Express and American Chain and Cable, but he spent most of his career working for the Wilkes-Barre Area School District.

Mickey was a strong but gentle man who always put family first but was also ready to help anyone who needed assistance. One of his greatest attributes was that he never said a negative word about anyone or anything except for maybe about his favorite football teams. He was a kind, humble and genuine man which made him a rare commodity. He will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Anna Mae Loftus Kendra; sister, Joan Karlheim; and brother, Edward Kendra.

Surviving are his sons, Michael Kendra and his wife, Leah; Kevin Kendra and his wife, Debbie; daughter, Kim Ann Gallagher and her husband, Kevin; grandchildren, Michael Kendra and his fiancée, Ashley; Alex Kendra; Kayla Eddinger and her husband, Mark; Kevin John Kendra and his wife, Samantha; Zachary Kendra; Dallas Kendra; Noah Kendra; Briana Button and her husband, Edward; Corey Hunter Gallagher; and Jacob Gallagher; great-grandchildren, Kelsey Marie Dewey; Shawn Patrick Eddinger; Olivia Grace Kendra; and Harper Rae; and Edward Robert Button; sisters, Mary Bozinko; Carol Archabald; and Ann Wallace; and numerous nieces and nephews.

One final note - Mickey surprised everyone with the inscription he placed on his and Anna Mae's grave marker. It is straight to the point just like him. It states: "We lived, We loved, We Wed, We Bred, We Dead." Rest in peace, Dad.

The family would like to thank Mickey's nephew, Dr. Patrick Kerrigan and the staff at Erwine's Home Health for their assistance.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Monday in St. Andrew Parish, 316 Parrish St., Wilkes-Barre. The Rev. J. Duane Gavitt will officiate. Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Hanover Twp.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Michael's memory to St. Joseph's Center, 2010 Adams Ave., Scranton, PA 18509.

Condolences can be sent by visiting Mickey's obituary at www.natandgawlas.com.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Nat & Gawlas Funeral Home, 89 Park Ave., Wilkes-Barre.