He was born in Weymouth, MA on January 20, 1930 to Annie and John McKenna. He lived in Weymouth and graduated from Weymouth Vocational School, where he played football for Weymouth High. John also graduated from Fore River Shipyard Apprentice School and served in the National Guard. He worked at Jones McDuffey & Stratton in Boston and Fore River Shipyard as a shipwright. He retired from Procter & Gamble after 35 years and moved to Chatham with his wife in 1994.
He was the devoted father of Richard and his partner Priscilla Cornell of Oceanside, CA, Edward and wife Liisie of Eastham, MA, Gerald and wife Debbie of Sandwich, MA, Marilynn McKenna Ellison of Old Fort, TN and Robert and wife Susan of Tuftenboro, NH.
He was the deeply loved grandfather of James, Thomas, Edward, Daniel, David, Jamie, William, Melissa, John, Alex, Eileen, Elizabeth, Laura and the late Amy Ellison and eight great grandchildren, Jade, T.J., Rachel, Natalee, Kaitlynn, Jordan, Grace and Addalyn and the late Lucy Jane. He was ‘uncle’ to 11 nieces and nephews.
He is also survived by three former daughters-in-law, Jone McKenna Kirkland and her husband, John Kirkland of Plymouth, Ann McKenna of St. Augustine, FL and Rose McKenna of Amesbury.
He was the brother of Ann McKenna Trudeau, the late Nancy McKenna O’Rourke, the late Bill McKenna.
John leaves behind his loving companion, Lois Caddle.
John enjoyed working on cars, building his home on Progress Street, Weymouth, all and any handyman projects, he was a ‘Jack of all trades’. He loved traveling, hymns and spiritual music, ballroom dancing, and walking. He also enjoyed his many summers camping with family and friends on Lake Winnepesaukee, NH.
Our family would like to thank South Shore Hospital, especially the team on Emerson 6 for the wonderful and compassionate care he received.
There will be a graveside memorial service Saturday, April 20th at 11:00 AM at Seaside Cemetery, Crowell and Depot Rd. Chatham.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of the extraordinary care received at South Shore Hospital and can be mailed to: South Shore Health Foundation 55 Fogg Rd. South Weymouth, MA 02190.
For online condolences please go to www.nickersonfunerals.com
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