Andrew William Kendall

It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of Andrew William Kendall, Colonel USAF (Ret.) of New Albany, Ohio, on Monday April 14, 2025 at the age of 96 years. He was predeceased by childhood brother Albert, sister Aileen Koopman of Yardley, PA and longtime wife of 62 years Barbara Ann. He is survived by his son Andrew “Drew” Kendall of Gainesville, GA, daughter Carol (Tim) Hutcherson of Redondo Beach, CA, grandchildren Taylor (Christopher) Pizzurro of Gahanna OH, Christienne (Brady) Benz of Milton, GA, Erin Webb of Los Angeles, CA, Christopher Webb of Redondo Beach, CA, great granddaughters Bennett Whitcomb of Gahanna, Elliott Pizzurro of Gahanna, OH, Isadora Benz of Milton, GA and great grandsons Anthony Pizzurro of Gahanna, OH and Bodie Benz of Milton, GA. He will be deeply missed by his entire family and friends as he was a well-loved, devoted husband and highly respected man.

Andrew “Andy” also known fondly as “The Colonel” by his friends at Wesley Woods Retirement Community, was born in Trenton, NJ on May 3, 1928. He was the proud son of Andrew Frederick and Ethel May Kendall. His early years were spent in the Trenton area and Cranford, NJ. A strong interest in scouting led to the rank of Eagle Scout with Silver Palm. He graduated with honors from Cranford High School, then entered Rutgers University in the Navy V-5 Program during which time he became a member of Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity. After serving two years of active duty, he returned to Rutgers to attain a Bachelor of Science degree and meet his future wife.

A commission in the Air Force resulted in six years of active duty, flight training and coming to the Columbus area as crew member on a SAC B-47 stationed at Lockbourne AFB. Andy left active duty but stayed in the active reserve when he secured a position in North American Aviation which ultimately led to a 26-year career in Flight Test. During these years he accumulated many flight hours in the testing of North American aircraft, especially the A-3J and RA-5C Vigilante as well as the OV-10 Bronco and Condor guided missile. As time within these programs permitted, Andy continued his Air Force career with a number of interesting assignments including tours in the Pentagon and command of an intelligence unit at Wright Patterson AFB. His final assignment was Air Force Liaison Officer on staff of the Army Area Commander.

After retirement, Andy and Barbara spent many years touring and cruising throughout the world. If they had a "bucket list", it would be nearly fulfilled.

As a student of history, particularly military, Andy was a member of the Ohio History Connection, the Air Force Museum, the Naval Aviation Museum and Motts Military Museum. He was also a member of the Reserve Officers Association, Military Officers Club of Central Ohio, Rutgers Alumni Association and the NRA.

A Memorial Service will be held at Wesley Woods Retirement Community, New Albany on Saturday May 24, 2025, from 11am to 2pm followed by inurnment with wife Barbara at Washington Crossing National Cemetery in Newtown, PA. If you feel moved to do so, donations in his memory may be made to Motts Military Museum or the Wright Patterson Air Force Museum. Thank you for your love and support during this difficult time.