Obituary of Edward F. McKenna

Edward F. McKenna, 76, beloved husband of the late Margit (Resch) McKenna, died peacefully on Tuesday December 2, 2014 at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers, while in the comforting presence of his family. Born in Boston, he was the son of the late Emmons and Rose (Campbell) McKenna. He grew up in Revere and was a graduate of Revere High School, Class of 1955. He then attended Boston College where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance in 1959. Having successfully completed the ROTC Program during his years at Boston College, Mr. McKenna began his service as a Commissioned Officer in the United States Army following his graduation. His service began at the height of the Cold War in Europe in the 2nd Armored Squadron as a platoon leader with the 15th Cavalry. During his deployment, Ed met his future wife, Margit, in Nuremberg, Germany, marrying in 1963. After his tour of duty ended in Germany, Ed completed a number of short term assignments in the United States and Korea before spending his last his last two years as Commanding Officer of the 7th Psychological Operations Company, 14th Battalion, in Okinawa, Japan. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Captain in 1967. After completing his military service, Mr. McKenna went to work for the John Hancock Insurance Company for the next 32 years, retiring as Director of Group Pensions and Administration in 1999. Over the years, Ed was a member of the VFW, the Thomson Country Club of North Reading, and was active coaching in Peabody Youth Soccer. He was passionately dedicated to his family, devoted to his children and grandchildren, and was a compassionate caregiver for his wife during her year-long struggle with ALS. During his retirement he took piano lessons, played in three different golf leagues and enjoyed watching any activity involving his grandchildren. He was a parishioner at St. Adelaide's Church in Peabody. He is survived by three sons, Brian F. McKenna and his wife Maura, Kevin McKenna and his wife Nicole, and Brendan McKenna and his wife Patricia, all of Peabody; five grandchildren, Deirdre, Katrina, Angelina, Audrey and Michael all of Peabody; a sister-in-law Annamarie Schneider and her husband Horst of Nurnberg, Germany; a niece, Martina Schneider, and two nephews, Klaus and Lucas Schneider, all of Germany. Ed was predeceased by a grandson; Brady McKenna. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to gather on Tuesday December 9, 2014 at 9 AM from the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10 AM in St. Adelaide's Church, Peabody. A visitation will take place on Monday December 8, 2014, from 4 - 8 P.M. in the funeral home. Burial to be in Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, Peabody. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Kaplan Family Hospice House, 78 Liberty St., Danvers, MA 01923.