Obituary of Joseph P. McKenna

NORWOOD – A Mass of Christian Burial for Joseph P. McKenna, 85, a resident of 38 Elm Street, Norwood, will be held on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at 11 a.m. at St. Andrew's Church in Norwood with Rev. Ray Moreau presiding. Burial will be held in the Calvary Cemetery, Norwood later this spring. Family and friends may call at the Buck Funeral Home in Norwood on Tuesday, March 26, 2024 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Mr. McKenna passed away early Wednesday morning, March 20, 2024, at the Canton-Potsdam Hospital. Joe is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mary, Norwood; a daughter, Jorene and Brian Cook, Syracuse, NY; a son, Darren and Suzanne McKenna, Knoxville, TN and his three beloved grandchildren, Evan Cook and Brody Cook, and Matthew McKenna, as well as several nieces and nephews. Joe was pre-deceased by his parents, two brothers, John and James McKenna and a sister, Mary Patricia McGinnis. Born in Potsdam, NY on December 13, 1938, to the late George and Elizabeth Hurley McKenna, he graduated from Norwood-Norfolk Central School, Class of 1957. He served in the U.S. Army from 1961-63. Joseph married Mary J. Stanford on October 9, 1965. He worked for the Local Operator's Engineer Union, working for McKenna's Paving in Norwood and Trimm Trucking in Norfolk until his retirement. In his free time, Joe was an avid sports enthusiast, albeit a committed spectator. He enjoyed golf, baseball, and most notably hockey. He relished his time where he watched his children play hockey throughout their youth. He was a dedicated NY Rangers and NY Yankees supporter. Joe's sports repertoire grew to a fondness for soccer, as two of his grandsons are active soccer players. Music was prominent throughout Joe's lifetime, where his appreciation for jazz and instrumental genres appeared as backdrops. In recent years, Joe looked forward to watching videos of his grandson Matthew's latest musical rendition. Joe enjoyed reading, specifically anything written by James Patterson and David Baldacci. His love of reading led to a substantial book collection. Friends knew they were welcome to borrow a book at any time. Never one to turn down an opportunity for a visit, Joe found his most enjoyed moments came from spending time with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren. Notably, he greatly appreciated his friend Jeff, who has been a source of kindness and support for him. Memorial donations in Joseph's memory can be made to the St. Lawrence Cancer Fund or to St. Andrew's Church and memories and condolences may be shared online at www.buckfuneralhome.com . The Buck Funeral Home in Norwood is serving the family of Joseph P. McKenna.