Obituary of Kyle Gendron

Kyle Douglas Gendron will be remembered for unselfish devotion for his family and involvement in the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress. He passed away after a long and courageous battle with cancer on Thursday night, August 28, 2014. He was just 44 years old. Kyle was born in New Bedford. He grew up in Onset and was a graduate of Wareham High School and Cape Cod Community College. He was a Sales Representative at Frito Lay Company from 1998 to 2012. He enjoyed his work, the many clients he serviced, and being out on the road. He also treasured the flexibility his career gave him so he could be a very involved father while supporting his family. Kyle’s family and the Down syndrome community were the center of his life. He was always there to care for all his children and be involved in their sports and activities. He coached his sons, Thomas & Matthew and their Little League Baseball and basketball teams. He enjoyed sharing his love of sports with all three of his children. His daughter Mary Elizabeth, or as she is affectionately nicked named “M-E”, was born with Down syndrome and he spent much of his time and energy making M-E’s life and others with Down syndrome meaningful and fulfilling. He was active in the Morning Travelers, which is a play group for children with Down syndrome. Over the years he and his family became more and more involved in the MA Down Syndrome Congress. Kyle became the MDSC’s official photographer and was always capturing happy times at events like the Special Olympics, Buddy Walks, Bruins All Star games, and countless other events that enrich the lives of those born with Down syndrome. He was recently presented with the Media Award by the MDSC for his exceptional gift of photography that captured the true essence of people with Down syndrome. Kyle was a kind, courageous and humble man. Some might say that he made the most of every moment he was given, despite his illness. Always gracious and positive he never lost his quick wit and sense of adventure that made him so likeable and fun to be around. He was a passionate Red Sox, Celtics, and Patriots fan. He enjoyed a Red Sox vs. Yankees game as his last outing. He loved Disney World and character hunting. It was hard to figure out who was more excited to see the characters, Kyle or his kids. He had photographed over 105 characters in his many visits to Disney. He enjoyed camping with family and friends at Maple Park in Wareham which was one of his favorite destinations. He has touched the hearts of so many and he was truly touched by all the love and support his many family and friends poured upon him and his family during his illness. Kyle was the loving husband of 14 years of Kerry (Hennessy) Gendron. He was the loving father of Thomas, Mary Elizabeth “M-E”, and Matthew Gendron. He was the devoted son of Ernest and Louise (Theodore) Gendron of Onset and brother of Colleen Seisse of NJ. He was the son-in-law of Jack Hennessy of Burlington. Kyle was also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (exit 34 off Rt. 128/95, Woburn side) on Tuesday, Sept. 2 from 4-8 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 10 St. Mark’s Road, Burlington on Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Memorials in Kyle’s name may be made to The MDSC, 20 Burlington Mall Road, Suite 261, Burlington, MA 01803 or www.mdsc.org. For directions obituary & online guestbook see www.saintmarksburlington.org or www.sullivanfuneralhome.net.