Fr. John F. McKenna

Fr. John F. McKenna, 82 of Worcester, formerly of Westminster, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 31, 2011 in Notre Dame du Lac Assisted Living Center. Fr. McKenna is survived by a sister, Elizabeth Jean Babine of Gainesville, VA; many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by a sister, Marie Davey and a close friend, Ann Hanrahan. Fr. McKenna was born in Worcester, the son of the late Charles and Mabel (Kelly) McKenna. He graduated from St. Peter's High School and Holy Cross College where he earned a Bachelors Degree. He entered the Grand Seminary in Montreal, Canada. Fr. McKenna was ordained a Priest in 1954 at St. Paul's Cathedral in Worcester by Bishop John Wright. Fr. McKenna was the Assistant Pastor for numerous parishes. He was the Pastor of St. Margaret Mary Church in Worcester, St. Mary's Church in Jefferson, Our Lady of Good Counsel in West Boylston, and Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Gardner. He was the Chaplain for The Boy scouts of America and the Massachusetts State Police Chaplain at both the Holden and Brookfield barracks. Fr. McKenna retired from the Priesthood in 1970. Following retirement from The Priesthood, he worked as a car salesman for Central Auto Sales in Leominster. Growing up, Fr. McKenna was a member of St. Peter's Church and after retirement he moved to Westminster where he was a member of St. Edward the Confessor Parish. Fr. McKenna was a car enthusiast and loved dogs. Funeral services for Fr. McKenna will be held on Friday, June 3, 2011 from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester with a funeral procession departing at 10 a.m. for a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m., in St. Edward the Confessor Parish, 10 Church St., Westminster, with Bishop Robert J. McManus as Principal Con-Celebrant. Burial will follow in Saint John Cemetery, Worcester. A period of calling hours will be held on Thursday, June 2, 2011 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to: St. Edward's Building Fund, 10 Church St., Westminster, MA. 01473.