John F. McKenna III
John F. McKenna III
Bristol
unknown - February 9, 2012
John F. McKenna III, 74, of Bristol, passed away Thursday, Feb. 9, 2012.
Born in Providence, the son of John F. McKenna Jr. and D. Muriel (Seymour) McKenna, he lived most of his adult life in Bristol. He was husband of Arline (Hunt) McKenna, his wife of nearly 56 years. He is father of Robert W. McKenna and wife Donna, Gail A. Barker and husband John, Carol P. Mennucci and husband Michael, Barbara J. Costa and husband Louis, Joseph M. McKenna and wife Teresa, John J. McKenna and wife Jennifer; grandfather of 14 and great-grandfather of two.
He is survived by his siblings, Roberta (McKenna) Kinkead of Yarmouthport, Mass., and Mary (McKenna) Carreiro and Peter McKenna of Bristol.
He was a graduate of Holy Name, Providence, and LaSalle Academy. He went on to complete an apprenticeship with Browne and Sharpe, working there for 10 years, before moving to Dixon Corporation, Bristol, where he worked as an engineer for more than 30 years. He was a life member of the Defiance Hose Company of the Bristol Fire Department, with over 50 years of service, during which he was a 2nd lieutenant, company clerk, and as first driver of Engine 3 and Engine 5. He also served the fire department as a member of the Fire Prevention Bureau, the Fireman’s Memorial & Welfare Committee, and the division training teacher of the fire department’s pump course for over 20 years. His last contribution to the fire department was working on the restoration of Engine 10, the department’s ceremonial antique fire engine. He was also an active member of the Beach Terrace Improvement Association, which he served as secretary-treasurer for over 25 years.
Arrangements were by the George C. Lima Funeral Home, where family received relatives and friends on Sunday, Feb. 12. A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated by Fr. Barry Gamache at St. Mary’s Church on Feb. 13, followed by a fireman’s funeral procession to the Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Liturgical readings were by Robert McKenna Jr. and Chief Robert Martin. The offertory gifts were presented by Erin McKenna, Meredith McKenna, Emma Barker and Amy Costa. Organist for the Mass was Lisa Mello and the soloist was Tim White. Serving as pallbearers were Robert McKenna Jr., John Barker III, Benjamin Costa, Raymond J. Carreiro, Richard Kinkead and Peter McKenna.
In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory may be made to the Bristol Fire Department Memorial & Welfare Committee, PO Box 775, Bristol, RI 02809; or the Good Days Fund, www.gooddaysfromcdf.org.