World War II veteran worked for MDC
MELROSE — Wesley A. Kendall Jr., 88, passed away at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital on Thursday, Dec. 4.
Wes was born in Charlestown, raised in Medford, graduated from Medford High School and has been a resident of Melrose for the past 44 years. Mr. Kendall served his country with pride in the U.S. Army during World War II with the 40th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Brigade.
Wes worked for the MDC (Metropolitan District Commission) for 39 years, at the Breakheart Rink for 17 years, the Laconte Rink for 17 years and at the Malden Pool during the summer for 26 years. He was an excellent skater, was a member of the Skating Club in Boston and served on the Olympic Speed Skating Committee in the 1960s.
Wes was a member of the North Shore Irish American in Malden, the American Legion Post 91 and a member of the Massachusetts State Employees Association. Mr. Kendall was an avid Bruins and Patriots fan and enjoyed watching figure skating, the Macy’s Day Parade and the Rose Bowl parade every year.
Right up until his death Wes lived in his own home, he could always be seen working on his yard, painting his fence and working on his house, which he so loved. He was also a fifth generation resident of Peddocks Island in Boston Harbor and was a member of the Peddocks Island Association.
He was the beloved husband of the late Anna L. (Kennedy) Kendall. He was the loving father of Sheila A. Martel and her husband James of Winthrop and retired Melrose Police Sgt. Richard W. Kendall and his longtime companion Rene M. Massey of North Reading. He was the cherished grandfather of Alyssa and Joseph Martel, Robert and Nicole Kendall. He was the devoted brother of Richard Kendall of Washington, Gene Kendall of Lawrence, Ruth Easton of Minnesota and the late Roger Kendall. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends.
The funeral was from the Gately Funeral Home, 79 West Foster St., Melrose, on Tuesday, Dec. 9, at 8:45 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in the Church of the Incarnation, 425 Upham St., Melrose at 10 a.m.
Burial with military honors in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Melanoma Research Foundation, P.O. Box 759329 Baltimore MD. 21275-9329 or at https://www.melanoma.org. To send a message of condolence please visit www.gatelyfh.com.
