David F. McKenna, age 70, was the beloved husband of Frances (Buckley) McKenna for 41 years. He died on January 15, 2019 at South Shore Hospital after a short illness. A selfless, kind man, his generosity knew no bounds. He was an organ donor to the NE Donor Service.
Son of the late Francis C. and Shirley (Nicholas) McKenna. He was born on October 10, 1948 and raised in Rockland where he lived until his marriage on September 3, 1977, when he moved to Whitman.
Dave was the devoted step-father of Joe Scriven of Whitman, Joline Scriven of Middleboro and Bud Scriven and his wife Dewi of Kingston. He was the dear brother of Diane McKenna of Rockland and grandfather of the late Steven Meagher of Whitman. He also leaves his granddaughter Pamela Lindsey and her husband Ed and great grandchildren, Emma Grace and Zachery Steven Lindsey of Brockton.
Dave was greatly loved and is missed by his cat “Addison”.
Dave attended South Shore Voational School where he was active in sports. He graduated in 1966 and then completed a 2 year course in the post graduate program, which included working part time as a machinist at TNCO, Inc. of Whitman.
After finishing his education, he joined the US Navy during the Vietnam War. He served aboard the USS Kennedy Aircraft Carrier and he was honorably discharged in 1974.
After the US Navy, he returned to TNCO, Inc. where he worked for 45 years as a machinist/supervisor. He met Fran while they were both working for TNCO.
Dave and Fran enjoyed traveling, collecting Hall’s china, movies and hiking. Their favorite destinations were Key West, Cape Hatteras, Bar Harbor, Myrtle Beach and New York City. Their 2 month cross country (postponed) honeymoon in 1987 included visits to a number of National Parks.
Dave was an avid golfer and he had previously been a member of the Ridder Farm Golf Club. He also enjoyed darts and was a member of the Minute Man Dart League.
In 1990, Dave and Fran began rescuing feral and abandoned cats and kittens, with a great deal of support from the Standish Humane Society and their son Bud Scriven. In five years, they rescued over 200 animals that were spayed and neutered, given their shots and then placed in loving homes. The 21 pets that didn’t get placed became “McKenna” cats and they were loved and had happy lives.
Gone too soon, Dave will be greatly missed by his wife, children, sister and all who knew him.
At Dave’s request, there will be no public services.
Donations in memory of David can be made to the Standish Humane Society, P.O. Box 634, Duxbury, MA 02331