Thomas Kendro

Thomas Francis Kendro, of Sterling Heights, MI, passed away at home on March 7, 2023, following a more than yearlong battle with cancer. Despite an impossible road, he never lost his faith and humor, and he faced each challenge with courage until the end. Tom was born to George and Patricia (Oberliesen) Kendro on October 13, 1965, in Detroit, MI. The youngest of five children, he grew up with many aunts, uncles, cousins, and relatives around. It would have been easy for him to find a quiet place in the family, but Tom quickly became a favorite with his charisma, kindness, and quick wit. He was a talented athlete, playing football, baseball, and basketball during his years at Detroit Country Day. He spent many fun years at Michigan State University, ultimately receiving his B.S. in Turfgrass Management in 1994. Tom met his future wife Colleen Walsh through the Rochester Jaycees in 1992, and they married at St. Rene in Sterling Heights on May 21, 1994. Their family grew to include children Kelly, Jena, and Kevin, as well as five wonderful dogs over the years. His strong Catholic faith shines through as he frequently volunteered at St. Anne, a familiar face at the annual Sausage Festival and Fish Fry, as well as in the parish Men’s Club. With no background in soccer, he still stepped up to coach his kids and their friends on St. Anne teams for several years through Warren Youth. For over 30 years, Tom worked as a sales engineer at NuAir Fluid Power in Walled Lake. He found great success as a hard worker who prioritized the personal connection above the sale. He put his degree to good use as a seasonal weekend rep for The Scotts Company, where he made more lifelong friends. Tom was a man of many talents and hobbies. He enjoyed playing adult hockey and softball with friends for several years as an adult, described by teammates as the heart of his team. He also enjoyed his annual summer work as an umpire for Sterling Heights Softball leagues. Through good times and bad, he rooted for his teams: Tigers, Lions, Wings, and Spartans. Tom’s voice is familiar to many radio listeners across Metro Detroit. He frequently called in, entering and often winning contests, and he achieved his ultimate goal in 2011: winning a trip to Disney World for the family. His love for all things Mickey is well-known to all who knew him. In more recent years, he cherished time spent walking his dogs and taking them to the bark park. He loved his family and was immensely proud of his children. Tom is survived by his wife (Colleen), children (Kelly, Jena, Kevin), and two beloved dogs (Minnie and Luna); siblings Mike, Anne (Frank), Bill (Lynn), and Kate; brothers and sisters-in-law Helena (Jim), Jane, Dan (Pam), Kevin, Carl, and Anne Marie (Paul); Uncle Pete and Aunts Kate, Barb, and Jan; many nieces and nephews and many more cousins, great-nieces and nephews, and extended family; friends across the world; and countless lives that he changed for the better. He was preceded in death by his parents; Uncles Jim, Tom, Rudy, Rich, John, and Al. Aunts Mick, Susan, Penny, Mary, and Sheila; and his three beloved dogs. Visitation will be Friday, March 10, 2023, from 3pm to 8pm (rosary at 7:30) at E. J. Mandziuk Funeral Home, 3801 18 Mile Rd., Sterling Heights, MI 48314. Instate will be on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at 9:30 am until the funeral service at 10:00 am at St. Anne Catholic Church, 32000 Mound Rd., Warren, MI 48092. Internment at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Detroit will follow. In lieu of flowers, please pet your dogs and keep Tom’s spirit alive through your kindness, service, and humor.

Thomas Kendro

October 13, 1965 - March 7, 2023