Edward C. McKenna

Date of Birth: April 15, 1924

Place of Birth: Philadelphia, PA

Education/Work History:

Ed quit High School in order to enlist in the Navy in 1941. He returned to High School to get his diploma after the war. He took many night courses and College courses over the years to further his education.

During WWII he was mainly in the Pacific Theater. He was a mechanic for the TBF Avenger Torpedo bombers. He was in the aircrew for Torpedo Squadron Eight which was aboard the USS Hornet. Torpedo Squadron Eight was highly instrumental in winning the Battle of Midway. All of the aircraft were gunned down during that battle and all the flight crews were lost but for one survivor. Ed also served aboard the USS Saratoga in WWII. After his active duty he stayed in the Naval Reserves and retired as a Senior Chief with 35 years of service.

He worked for United Airlines as an Aircraft Mechanic for a few years after marrying. But, most of his career was with Civil Service, Department of Defense. He retired with 32 years.

One of his remarkable achievements has been surviving life with four women (His loving wife and three daughters) in one house for 18 or more years. Most people will remember him for his “Gift of Gab”. He did kiss the Blarney Stone several times but he had the gift long before that. He was always able to bring a smile to people’s faces. His story telling is legendary even though the stories seemed to expand and grow with each telling.

Organizations: Trenton Photography Club, Fine Woodworkers

List of recently predeceased: Parents, three brothers and four sisters

Survived by:

Wife: Geraldine

Daughters: Patricia, Debra, Sandra

Son-in-Laws: Gregg, Randall

Grandchildren: Daniel Erin, Chad (Mary), and Brian (Jessica)

Great-Grandchildren: Kaytlyn, Ryleigh, Ethan and Aiden

"In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Alzheimer's Association"