Stephen P. Kenda,

Stephen Paul Kenda, Sr., 74, passed away June 3rd at Hilton Head Island, SC. His last days were spent at a place that he loved and cherished before succumbing to his long list of health issues that he so vigorously battled throughout the years.
He was born on November 28, 1937, in Duquesne, Pennsylvania to the late Stephen and Mary Kenda. He was raised in Kent, Ohio and graduated from Kent Roosevelt High School in 1953 and eventually moved to Stow where he raised his family. Steve was employed with Lawson's Milk Company for 33 years. He was a dedicated union member who still refused to buy the infamous Lawson's chip dip even after all these years based on principle. He became an honorary retired member of the Teamsters in 1986. Upon leaving Lawson's, he found his true passion in real estate. Steve was a realtor for Schneeberger Realty where he was a regular top producer and continued as an Office Manager with Pat Boyle Realty. He was a big advocate of buying not renting and one of his greatest joys was assisting new couples with buying their first home.
In addition to his parents, he reunites with his sisters, Marie, Evelyn, Dolores and Dorothy as they are all waiting for him with open arms, a few jokes and possibly a lecture of what he should and should not have done.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years, JoAnn, who without her, he would not have been able to keep his independence he so longed for. He is also survived by his children, Russ (Diane) Cozart, Stephanie (Jim) Gentz, Stephen Jr., (Gerri) and Colleen (Nick) Piekarski and his beloved cat, Toby. He leaves his eleven grandchildren: Erica, Jackie, Payton, Gannen, Johnathon, Cameron, Carter, Cailey, Chloe, Caden, and Cooper and four great-grandchildren, Aidan, Jaxson, Lincoln, and Kade, along with many nieces and nephews. The family wants to express a special thank you to his niece, Paula Johnson for all her support and assistance she had done for her Uncle especially over the past year. The family would also want to give a special thank you to all the medical professionals who have provided so much support.
The family will receive friends Thursday, June 7 from 6:00 - 9:00 at Bissler & Sons Funeral Home, 628 W. Main Street, Kent, with a Catholic Mass at Holy Family Church, Kent Road, Stow on Friday, June 8, at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be immediately following the Mass at Standing Rock Cemetery, Kent. Should friends desire, memorials may be made in memory of Stephen P. Kenda, Sr. to Project Hope, One Holy Cross Blvd., Akron, Ohio, 44306 (330-773-9100).