Bruce Ira Kendall

Dundee: Bruce Ira Kendall, a lifelong resident of Dundee who devoted his life to his family and community, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2026, at Keuka Comfort Care after a courageous battle with cancer.

Bruce was born in Dundee to Wesley Kendall and Helen Furman Kendall, who predeceased him. He was also predeceased by his brothers, Ricky, Phil, and Gene.

He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Suzanne Kendall; his children, Jenny Kendall, Aaron (Tracy) Kendall, and Nathan Kendall; his beloved grandchildren, Max and Isla, who adored their "Bumpa"; his sister Harriet Martin, his brother, Furman (Nancy) Kendall; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. He had many special friends who supported him throughout his illness.

Bruce was a master builder who owned and operated Bruce Kendall Contractor for more than three decades. He later served as Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds at Dundee Central School for 12 years. His craftsmanship, attention to detail, and unwavering work ethic were evident in everything he touched, earning him the respect and admiration of colleagues, students, and the community alike.

In 2003, Bruce and Suzanne, along with partners, opened Hickory Hollow Wine Cellars. In 2016, it became a true family business, with Nathan serving as winemaker while Jenny assisted in the tasting room. Bruce took tremendous pride in building not only a business, but a family legacy.

Bruce was a man of many talents and interests. He enjoyed restoring and riding antique motorcycles, sailing, woodworking and furniture building, music, gardening, quilting, baking, creating delicious charcuterie, and researching local history. He had an abiding love for Dundee's history and took great joy in preserving and sharing the stories of the community he cherished.

Above all else, Bruce loved his family, his friends, his hometown of Dundee, and his faithful dog, Parker.

Even in his final act of generosity, Bruce chose to donate his body to the University of Rochester Medical Center in the hope that it would advance medical education and research, allowing him to continue helping others long after his passing.

Bruce will be remembered for the homes and buildings he constructed, the projects he championed, the history he helped preserve, and the quiet kindness, wisdom, and integrity with which he lived his life. His legacy lives on through his family, his friends, and the community he loved so deeply.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to Hope Walk of Yates County or Keuka Comfort Care, two organizations that provide hope and compassion to so many.

If you wish to honor Bruce's memory, lend a hand to a neighbor, preserve a piece of Dundee's history, or simply take the time to make your community a better place. Those were the things that brought Bruce the greatest joy.

The family invites you to gather in remembrance and celebration for “Bruce’s Last Waltz” on August 19 from 2pm-5pm at Hickory Hollow Wine Cellars (5289 Route 14, Dundee, NY).

Online condolences can be sent by visiting www.bairdfuneralhomedundee.com.