Kendall Lamont Sivells

Kendall LaMont Sivells Sr. was born on August 18, 1973, on a warm summer day at Lincoln Hospital, in The Bronx, NY, to Otto & Linda Sivells. The family later moved to Queens, NY, where he started his early education at St. Clement Pope Catholic School. He then attended Junior High School 231 and graduated from Thomas Edison High School. Kendall received a football scholarship to attend Mercyhurst College in Erie, PA and later transferred to Long Island University in Southampton, NY, through the Friends World program, where he majored in early childhood education and studied comparative religion.

Kendall spent his summers at a sleep-away camp through The Fresh Air Fund. His host family, Robert (Pop), Sherry (Mom) and sisters Angie and Katie Ingram introduced Kendall to farm life, where he would raise his first Lamb, Kendra. Kendall was the only boy in the Ingram family and the apple of Pop’s eye. The Ingrams loved Kendall like a son. He adored spending time with Mom and enjoyed eating her homemade apple butter. Kendall maintained his relationship with the family from age 9 through adulthood.

During childhood, he attended Westminster Presbyterian Church, where he was confirmed under the late Reverend Grey. Pastor Sylvia Walker was instrumental in nurturing his spiritual growth during adolescence. His formative years were greatly influenced by youth empowerment groups such as the NAACP Youth Council and KUDOS. His experience with these organizations inspired him to start his first business, ABEJE Enterprises, along with his siblings and close friends. The community activism initiated by them included the Rikers Island Scared Straight Program, the development of food pantries, summer camps and tutoring programs.

Kendall’s love for carpentry began in high school when he built his first stool-bench combo. This led to the beginning of his career with The New York Local 45 Carpenters Union, where he helped to shape the New York City skyline.

In 1997, Kendall met the love of his life Kellie C. Hackett, on the Long Island University campus. They were married in 2005, and from their union, they had two children, Kendall II and Kaliyah. He worked hard to give his family a beautiful life.

The family relocated to Chesapeake, Virginia, in 2004. They attended Mount Lebanon Missionary Baptist Church (The Mount, Chesapeake), where Kendall served as the Facilities Maintenance Manager for 15 years. You could always hear his thunderous voice in the narthex. From mentoring the youth to having philosophical conversations with the elders, his connection to his church family transcended age.

After leaving The Mount, he established K4 Management and Consulting and later joined Cushman Wakefield to further his career.

Kendall never met a stranger. He was known for his loving, charismatic and animated voice of wisdom. He had a love for culinary arts stemming from quality time spent with his parents and grandparents… he always wanted to have a cook-off. He enjoyed travelling, visiting relatives and lifelong friends. Kendall had an affection for California, North Carolina and New York- the city he always referred to as “home.” Transformative trips to Kenya with his best friend, Murai, reshaped his identity as a black man. He was naturally curious and loved learning. Kendall enjoyed golfing, going fishing with his stepfather Jimmy and cousin Jon, gardening with Kellie, riding his bike and going for long walks. However, the joy of his life was his family. Kendall was a devoted husband who doted over his wife and endlessly professed his love for her. He was a loving and ever-present father. He made sure Kendall and Kaliyah had all they needed and more. Whether it was being the PTA President, coaching soccer, or showing up for extracurricular activities, he was always front and center.

Kendall is predeceased by his father Otto Sivells & brother Kaurie L. Sivells. He is survived by his wife Kellie, children Kendall II & Kaliyah; mother, Linda (James Smith), stepmother Yvonne Sivells, mother-in-law, Doreen Hackett; siblings, Ramona Sivells, Derek Sivells (Kristy), Keisha Burfoot (Anthony), Desiree Blackman, James Myrick, Kristan Goodwine (Lyle), Michael Sivells, Steven Sivells and Ashley Borden (Stephon); aunts, uncles, a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends. Kendall was a man who led with passion and conviction. He left our world too soon, leaving us with fond memories of his infectious smile and big heart. He will be forever missed. … lovingly submitted by the family