Obituary of Eugene J. Kendrick

EUGENE J. KENDRICK Latham- Eugene Joseph Kendrick (Papa) born in Albany, New York, March 30, 1947 entered into eternal life April 10, 2015 after a courageous battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). Gene was the loving and devoted husband of the love of his life Judy Masters Kendrick for over 48 years. Gene graduated from Cardinal McCloskey High School in Albany. After graduation, Gene was drafted and served in the U.S. Army serving his country with pride and dignity during the Vietnam War. After his honorable discharge, Gene returned home and began his career as a News Photographer at WNYT TV 13, a career that lasted 42 years, retiring in April 2011. Gene's greatest gift in life was his family. His family was his world. Besides his wife Judy, Gene leaves behind his sons and daughters, Eugene "Duffer" Kendrick Jr. (Kelly), Michele Woods (Michael), Michael Kendrick (Kimberly), Julie Mackay (Scott). Gene also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Lauren, Ryan, Matthew, Austin, Michael, Mikayla and Marissa. Gene's favorite things to do were to spend time with his grandchildren, whether it was a sporting event or school function, Papa was always there. He was and always will be their #1 fan. Gene is also survived by his sisters and brother-in-law Sue and Ed Moss, Sally Lowe and Beverly Fallon. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and dear friends. Gene was predeceased by his parents, Eugene and Violet Kendrick, his mother and father-in-law Joseph and Julia Masters, and his brother-in-laws William Masters and Edward Lowe. Gene's family would like to thank his many friends for their love and support during his battle with ALS. They would also like to thank the staff at the St. Peter's Regional ALS Center for their care and support, most especially Dr. Roberta Miller. Also a special thank you for the care and support he received from his at home health care team including Keith, Tom, Crystal, Gayle and Ken. In lieu of flowers, Gene's family requests donations be made to the Paralyzed Veterans of America (pva.org) in Gene's memory. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday April 16, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. in St. Ambrose Church 347 Old Loudon Rd. Latham, NY where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Anthony Barratt. Relatives and friends are invited and may call at the Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home 149 Old Loudon Rd. Latham, New York on Wednesday April 15 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Interment with full military honors will be in Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville. For directions, information or to light a memory candle for the family please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com.