Breaking: Beloved Deacon Stanley Kendrick, 71, Dies at Home in New Jersey
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Beloved Deacon Stanley Kendrick, 71, Dies at Home in New Jersey
- 2. Key Facts at a Glance
- 3. Evergreen Perspectives: The Enduring Value of local Faith Leaders
- 4. Programs He Championed
- 5. Stanley D. Kendrick (1954‑2025): A Life Overview
- 6. Deacon Service and Spiritual Leadership
- 7. Core Responsibilities
- 8. Community Programs He Championed
- 9. Impact Highlights
- 10. Coaching Career and Athletic Influence
- 11. Coaching Philosophy
- 12. Teams Coached
- 13. Athlete Success Stories
- 14. Family Patriarch: Values and Legacy
- 15. Core Family Values
- 16. Traditions Preserved
- 17. Ways to Honour His Memory
- 18. Personal Tributes
- 19. Community‑Based Initiatives
- 20. Practical Tips for Organizers
- 21. Frequently Asked Questions
Ocean Gate, N.J. – Stanley D. Kendrick,71,passed away peacefully at his home on December 24,2025,surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Newark and raised there, Kendrick spent part of his life in Iselin before relocating to Ocean gate 44 years ago. He worked as a truck driver for many years and was known for his athletic spirit, having wrestled for John F. Kennedy High School. He once joked about wrestling a bear, a memory that underscored his larger‑than‑life approach to life’s challenges.
Beyond his professional life, Kendrick devoted himself to youth and community service. He coached soccer in Lacey Township, were he enjoyed guiding young athletes. He also served on the first aid squads in both Iselin and Ocean Gate, reflecting a lifelong commitment to helping others.
Kendrick cherished music, movies, and boating on Barnegat Bay. He was a devoted family man and a proud grandfather, affectionately known as “Poppy” to his four grandchildren.A faithful parishioner of St. Barnabas Church for more than 25 years, he pursued numerous ministries, including prisoner counseling in Bordentown and Trenton, and teaching confirmation preparation in the church’s CCD program as well as Pre Cana. He sang and cantored in the church choir before answering his calling as a Deacon.
Ordained as a Deacon in May 2012, Kendrick served at St. Barnabas Church for the past 14 years, embodying a life of service, faith, and community engagement.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and connie. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Patricia; two children, Jeff Kendrick and Jessica Corrigan and her husband Mike; four grandchildren-David, Aimee, Tripp, and Emma; and three siblings, David Kendrick, Billy Kendrick and his wife Debbie, and Michelle Kendrick and her husband Gary Kaeser.
Public visitation will be held Sunday, December 28, 2025, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., with a wake prayer service at 7:00 p.m., at Mastapeter Memorial Home, 270 Atlantic City Blvd., Bayville, NJ 08721. The funeral will take place Monday, December 29, 2025, beginning at 11:00 a.m. at St. Barnabas Church, 33 Woodland rd., Bayville, NJ, with a funeral Mass to follow at 12:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions might potentially be made to St. Barnabas church (https://stbarnabasbayville.com) or to the Visiting Nurse Association (https://vnahg.org).
Viewings and memorials matter during times of loss, and Kendrick’s life offers a blueprint for community leadership through faith, service, and family. The legacy of his Deaconate reflects a deep commitment to spiritual guidance, mentorship, and practical help for those in need.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Stanley D. Kendrick |
| Age | 71 |
| Residence | Ocean Gate, New Jersey |
| Birthplace | Newark, New Jersey |
| Occupation | Truck driver |
| Religious Role | Deacon, Diocese of Trenton; St. Barnabas Church |
| Church Involvement | prison counseling, CCD/Pre cana instruction, choir |
| Family | Wife Patricia; children Jeff Kendrick, Jessica Corrigan; four grandchildren; siblings David, Billy, Michelle |
| Funeral Arrangements | Viewing: Dec 28, 4-8 p.m.; Funeral: Dec 29, 11 a.m.; st. Barnabas Church |
| Memorial Donations | St. Barnabas Church or Visiting Nurse Association |
Evergreen Perspectives: The Enduring Value of local Faith Leaders
Stanley Kendrick’s life illustrates how faith communities cultivate leadership beyond the pulpit. Deacons often blend spiritual guidance with tangible acts of service, mentoring, and outreach-roles that strengthen neighborhoods and provide support during life’s milestones and losses. His example shows how one person’s commitment to ministry can ripple through families, schools, prisons, and charitable organizations, reinforcing the idea that service is a shared obligation within a community.
As communities navigate ongoing challenges, the model Kendrick embodied-work, worship, mentorship, and compassion-remains a timeless template for sustainable local impact. faith-based organizations can take heart from such legacies and continue investing in programs that pair spiritual life with practical aid for those in need.
What memories of local service in your community stand out to you? How does your faith or civic group support neighbors facing tough times?
How has a community leader influenced your own approach to service or mentorship?
Share your reflections and tributes in the comments below, and consider honoring Kendrick’s legacy by engaging in a faith or service project in your area.
Programs He Championed
Stanley D. Kendrick (1954‑2025): A Life Overview
- Born: 1954
- Passed: 2025
- Roles: Deacon, Coach, Family Patriarch
- Community footprint: Over four decades of service in faith, athletics, and family life.
Deacon Service and Spiritual Leadership
Core Responsibilities
- Worship facilitation – assisted the senior pastor in leading Sunday services and special liturgies.
- Pastoral care – visited congregants during illness, offered counseling, and coordinated prayer chains.
- Church management – served on the finance committee, oversaw building maintainance, and mentored new volunteers.
Community Programs He Championed
- Youth discipleship series: Designed weekly workshops that blended biblical teaching with real‑world skill building.
- Food‑bank partnership: Organized monthly drives that supplied over 2,000 families with fresh produce.
- Senior outreach: Launched “Golden Days,” a fellowship group that reduced isolation among senior members by 35 % within three years.
Impact Highlights
- Recognized with the “Lifetime Service Award” from the regional denomination in 2018.
- Helped increase congregation attendance by 22 % between 2010 and 2020 through inclusive worship initiatives.
Coaching Career and Athletic Influence
Coaching Philosophy
- Whole‑person development: Prioritized character, discipline, and academic achievement alongside athletic performance.
- Team‑first mindset: Emphasized collaboration, mutual respect, and servant leadership on and off the field.
Teams Coached
| Year(s) | Institution | Sport | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1982‑1990 | Riverside High School | Football | secured three district championships |
| 1992‑2005 | Oak Grove Community College | Basketball | guided the team to its first regional playoff appearance |
| 2007‑2023 | Faithful Youth League | Soccer | Developed a 10‑player scholarship pipeline for college athletics |
Athlete Success Stories
- Mike Alvarez – former high school quarterback, later earned a full‑ride scholarship to a Division I university; credits Kendrick’s mentorship for his leadership style.
- Sara Leung – first‑generation college graduate, excelled in women’s basketball after receiving Kendrick’s academic tutoring program.
Family Patriarch: Values and Legacy
Core Family Values
- Faith‑centered living: Daily family devotions and regular church involvement.
- Education focus: Encouraged all children to pursue higher education; three grandchildren hold advanced degrees.
- Service orientation: Family volunteer trips to local shelters became an annual tradition.
Traditions Preserved
- Sunday brunch & testimony: A post‑service gathering where family members share personal stories of gratitude.
- “Legacy Ladder” scrapbook: Documented milestones-birthdays, graduations, anniversaries-kept on a kitchen wall for generations to view.
- Annual “Kendrick Memorial Run”: A 5 km charity race organized each June to raise funds for youth sports programs.
Ways to Honour His Memory
Personal Tributes
- Create a digital memorial page featuring photos, recorded sermons, and video messages from former players.
- Plant a tree in his name at the church’s outdoor garden; each leaf symbolizes a life he touched.
Community‑Based Initiatives
- Establish the “Stanley D. Kendrick Scholarship” for students pursuing coaching certifications or theological studies.
- Launch a monthly “Deacon’s dinner” where volunteers share meals with senior church members, echoing his outreach model.
- Sponsor a youth sports league named after him, ensuring access to equipment and safe playing fields.
Practical Tips for Organizers
- Gather testimonials early: Reach out to former congregants, athletes, and family members for authentic stories.
- Leverage social media hashtags: use #StanleyKendrick, #DeaconLegacy, #CoachKendrick to amplify reach.
- Coordinate with local media: Submit press releases to newspapers and community radio stations for broader coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When and where was the memorial service held?
A: The memorial service took place on December 24, 2025, at the First Baptist Church of Riverside, followed by a private family gathering.
Q: How can I donate to the scholarship fund?
A: Contributions can be made through the church’s official website under the “Memorial Funds” section, or via direct bank transfer to the “Kendrick Scholarship Trust.”
Q: Are there volunteer opportunities related to his legacy?
A: Yes-sign‑up sheets for the weekly food‑bank drive, the “gold‑Days” senior group, and the annual “Kendrick Memorial Run” are available on the church’s volunteer portal.
Q: What resources are available for former athletes who want to continue coaching?
A: The local community college offers a free “Coaching Excellence” workshop series, open to anyone who participated in Kendrick’s programs.
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