Kendra St. Charles

Kendra St. Charles, of Akron, passed away on Tuesday May 6th, 2025 due to a stroke. Kendra was born in Akron on March 24th, 1952 to Bob and Mary Sweeney (nee Yanko). Kendra was raised in the restaurant business. Her grandparents, Nick and Mabel Yanko, owned Yanko’s Restaurant - an iconic Akron Restaurant in the 50s and 60s, which was located in Highland Square. It was the “in” restaurant to go to and be seen during the time. The “Who’s Who” of Akron frequently dined at Yanko’s, as did many celebrities when they visited Akron.

Kendra was a proud graduate of Firestone High School, class of 1970.

A charming horse trainer with a southern accent, Paul St. Charles, soon came into Kendra’s life. Paul introduced Kendra to the glamorous and exciting world of the American Saddlebred Horse industry, where Kendra made many life-long friends. They married and had a daughter, Tracy. They owned St. Charles Stables. Kendra’s main job was hosting and cooking for prospective customers and out-of-town guests who were interested in buying horses. Kendra cherished that time of her life.

Soon Kendra found herself as a single mother. In true Kendra fashion, she found her strength through independence, and showed that she was a true survivor; embracing and thriving in her role as a single mother. She then started her 40+ year career in the optical industry as a sales representative selling eyeglass frames to optometrists. Again, the optical industry was another industry where she made life- long friends.

Kendra’s life was forever altered on March 22nd, 1992, when she was aboard US Airways Flight 405 and it crashed into Flushing Bay in New York City on take-off. Once again calling on her inner strength and embracing the sheer power of her will, Kendra survived and pulled herself from the Bay. Kendra recovered and went on to speak on national talk shows, to appear in national magazine and in local news articles, and to share a TedX Talk telling her story. She also played an integral part in getting the Family Assistance Act passed by the U.S. Congress in Washington D.C., which assisted families affected by aviation disasters. Kendra developed a passion for assisting families of aviation disaster victims. Once again, the aviation industry was another industry in which Kendra made life-long friends.

Kendra also had a passion for helping people. She did not know a stranger - her daughter, Tracy, and son-in-law, Joseph, frequently laughed at Kendra’s habit to talk to everyone. Her “door was always open,” and she knew how to throw a party. If you were going to one of Kendra’s parties, you knew you were going to enjoy some excellent food, as she also had a passion for cooking.

Simply put, Kendra was a very strong willed and independent person who did life her way.

If you knew Kendra, you also likely heard about her grandchildren. Her grandchildren, Christopher and Luca, were her number one priority. They affectionally referred to Kendra as “GG.” They loved attending “Camp GG,” where GG showcased her talents as a fun grandmother.

She is preceded in death by her father, Bob Sweeney; mother, Mary Yanko Sweeney; brother, Kevin Sweeney, with whom she had an extraordinarily close and special bond; and her former husband, Paul St. Charles. Kendra is survived by her daughter, Tracy Pittello (Joseph, Jr.); grandchildren, Christopher Pittello and Luca Pittello; and many dear relatives and close friends.

The family will receive friends 4-7 P.M. MONDAY May 12th at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd. Memorial Service 2 P.M. TUESDAY May 13th at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1250 W. Exchange St. in Akron, with Rev. Dr. Sandy Selby as officiant. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Akron Children’s Hospital Adult and Pediatric Burn Institute or to Alcoholics Anonymous.

“Mom - go be with Bobbi, Uncle Kevin, Dad, and your close friends who I know you have missed. Love, your daughter.”

Services in care of the Billow Funeral Homes and Crematory, FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N Miller Road Akron, OH 44333.