Joseph Augustine Kendra

Colonel Joseph “Joe” A. Kendra was born April 18, 1942 to Augustine M. Kendra and Mary J. Kendra née Wozowicz. He grew up in Philadelphia, PA at 563 Abbotsford Ave. He attended La Salle University and graduated in 1964. He was then commissioned into the US Army as a Second Lieutenant in the Field Artillery.

His first assignment was to Korea as a Forward Observer. He had a subsequent combat tour to Vietnam as a fire support officer, and as an advisor to a South Vietnamese infantry battalion. Later, Joe took command of a field artillery battery in Germany where he met and married Monika, his wife of 50 years. Joe and Monika had multiple assignments in the continental United States. He commanded the 4th Training Battalion at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and served as the DIVARTY Executive Officer of the 82nd Airborne Division. His final assignment was at Fort Monroe, Virginia TRADOC headquarters as a training doctrine developer for field artillery.

Colonel Kendra retired on June 30, 1991. His many awards include the Combat Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross and many others.

Joseph is preceded in death by his parents, Augustine and Mary; and his brother, Edward. Joe was also preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Susan. He is survived by his wife, Monika C. Kendra; his daughter, Melanie Kendra Sauter, and son-in-law, Stephen Sauter; and his four granddaughters, Erin, Morgan, Catherine and Kendra.

The funeral mass will be held at Saint Bede Catholic Church, Williamsburg, Virginia at 12:00 pm on Thursday, October 5, 2023. Interment with full military honors will occur at Saint Bede immediately following the funeral mass.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Tunnels to Towers (t2t.org/donate/) or to the Heritage Humane Society, 430 Waller Mill Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23185.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.NelsenWilliamsburg.com for the Kendra family.