CHICOPEE - Peter J. Kendra, 63, of Chicopee, was Called Safely Home on Sunday, July 15, 2012. He passed into Eternal Life from his home surrounded by the care and comfort of his loving family. He was born in Holyoke on January 27, 1949, a beloved son of the late Peter A. and Caroline (Niziankiewicz) Kendra. He was raised in Chicopee, graduated from Chicopee High School and was a lifelong resident of the city. He served his country in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War, received the National Defense Service Medal and attained the rank of Lance Corporal. Following his military service, he returned to Chicopee and was employed for 21 years as a firefighter for the City of Chicopee working at Station 5 in Willimansett. He was a member of the Chicopee Firefighters Local 1710 and a member of the Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts. He was a member of the Tigers Athletic Club and during his leisure time, he enjoyed golf and pool. He leaves his beloved wife and best friend of 24 years, Theresa M. "Terry" (Rosinski) Kendra; his loving step-sons, Shawn P. Demears and Timothy P. Demears, both of Chicopee; his cherished granddaughter, Alannah Mae Demears; his dear sister, Barbara Vaselacopoulous and her husband, Jerry, of Chicopee; his dear brother, Kenneth Kendra of Chicopee; his dear sisters-in-law, Joan Kendra of Chicopee and Dorothy Kendra of North Carolina; and his many dear nephews and nieces. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his dear brothers, Richard and Joseph Kendra. His Committal Service with Military Honors will be held on Monday, July 23, 2012 at 2 p.m. in the Chapel at the Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main Street, Agawam. There are no visiting hours at the St. Pierre - Phaneuf Aldenville Chapels, 13 Dale Street, Chicopee. Donations may be made to the family.