Kenneth Charles McKenna

Kenneth Charles McKenna, son of the late Owen and Elizabeth McKenna, was born on June 13, 1948, in Astoria, Queens, NY. He entered eternal rest on December 10, 2025, at Hospice VA Center in Durham, NC. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and military brother, Ken lived a life defined by love, service, and unwavering family devotion. He carried quiet strength and a warm character, cherishing his roles within his family and maintaining steadfast loyalty to his country and his comrades in the Bobcat 5th Infantry Division.

Ken’s roots and community ties trace back to Astoria and Woodside, New York, with frequent memories of St. Teresa’s Roman Catholic Church in Woodside and William Cullen Bryant High School in Long Island City. His path of service, education, and career began in Vietnam, where he earned a Purple Heart and Bronze Star. He was injured in Vietnam, continued his service in the United States Army, and later became a Medic. After completing his service, he was honorably discharged. He returned to his hometown and built a life with his wife, Anne McKenna. He pursued night study at Queens College to become a mechanical engineer and later found meaningful work with Muller Martini and Man Roland.

A proud member of the Bobcat 5th Infantry Division, Ken’s love for family, country, and the brotherhood of the Bobcats defined his life. His hobbies and passions included gardening, music (harmonica and guitar), electronics tinkering, radio-controlled (RC) hobbies, art, and a lifelong love of science fiction. In keeping with his generosity beyond the grave, Ken’s corneas were donated to Miracles in Sight, carrying forward his commitment to helping others even after his passing.

Ken is survived by his daughter, Aelish McKenna, and her husband, Craig Salvesen; grandsons Conner Salvesen and Owen Salvesen; and his niece, Kelly Calhoun. He was preceded in death by his wife, Anne McKenna; his mother, Elizabeth McKenna; and his father, Owen McKenna. A private service will be held, with final arrangements entrusted to the care of the family.

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