Obituary of John F. McKenna

John F. McKenna Jr., of Fairfield, died peacefully on Wednesday, January 26, 2011 in the company of his family after a brief illness at the age of 87. Born in Bridgeport to John and Nellie Coates McKenna, he grew up in the Hollow. He was a proud Marine who enlisted at the age of 18 and valiantly served with the 4th Marine Division in Okinawa, the Marshall Islands and Iwo Jima. He was the recipient of numerous medals including the Purple Heart for service to his country. He was employed for 25 years at the Bridgeport Hydraulic Co. now known as Aquarion. In his retirement, he enjoyed watching the History Channel, a good dice game and anything related to history especially books on the Civil War given to him by his special nephew Richard Fray. He was also a faithful and dedicated usher at Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Fairfield for ten years. He was a quiet man whose deepest thoughts were known only to his family and God. He was fiercely proud of his children and grandchildren and would often remark about how lucky he was to have us in his life.

Survivors include his wife who devoted her life and stood by his side for 61 years, Matilda Buglione McKenna, his son John of Fairfield, daughter, Catherine of Trumbull along with his grandchildren, Patrick and Timothy Fanning, Justin Nucera, Michael, Thomas and Marissa McKenna, a great granddaughter, Avery Grace Fanning, his sister Mary Fray of Stratford and several nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his brothers, Fred, William and Edward McKenna. 

Funeral services will take place on Monday, January 31, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. in the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull, and at 11:00 a.m. in Our Lady of the Assumption Church, Fairfield for a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment with military honors will follow in St. Michael Cemetery, Stratford. Friends may call on Sunday from 2-6 p.m.