James McKenna

Obituary of James J. McKenna

James J. McKenna, 82, a long-time resident of Rockland County, most recently of Thiells, passed away on Sunday, May 25, 2014, at Good Samaritan Hospital with his loving family by his side. James "Jim" was born on September 6, 1931, to Patrick and Agnes (McElroy) McKenna. Jim was raised in the Bronx and was a proud graduate of Our Lady of Mercy School and Mount Saint Michael High School, where he played varsity football. He also attended Fordham University. He and Sheila O'Reilly were married in 1958 in the Bronx, and together they raised four daughters. Jim served in the Marine Corps in 1952 & 1953 during the Korean War. In 1954 he became a member of the NYPD, which he served for over 30 years, retiring as an Inspector. He was very proud of his distinguished service in the NYPD, especially as Commanding Officer of the 47th, 46th, 75th, and 44th Precincts. His last NYPD assignment was as the Commander of the 7th Division in Patrol Borough Bronx. Jim was the beloved father of: Julianne (Leonard) Higgins of Wilton, CT; Elizabeth (Philip) Adams of Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY; Meg (John) Lombard of Virginia Beach, VA; and Carol McKenna (Michael Thiemann) of West Stockbridge, MA. He was also the proud grandfather of Caroline, Sean, Philip, Brian, Robert, Christopher, Kate, Olivia, and Anika. The oldest of 9 children, Jim is also survived by his sisters Agnes McMorris, Bernadette Askin, Kathleen Buckley, Judy Carlsson, and Patricia Baker, and brother Daniel (retired NYPD Captain). He was very honored to be the oldest of over 70 first cousins of the McKenna and McElroy families. Jim is predeceased by his beloved wife of 54 years, Sheila, brothers Eugene and Donald (US Army Korea), and by his parents. Jim's family will receive friends at T.J. McGOWAN SONS FUNERAL HOME, 71 N. Central Highway, GARNERVILLE, on Wednesday, May 28, 2014 from 7-9pm, and on Thursday, May 29 from 2-4 & 7-9pm. Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, May 30 at 10am at St. Gregory Barbarigo Church, Garnerville. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, friends who wish may donate in Jim's memory to: Happiness Is Camping, 2169 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10453, (718) 295-3100, happinessiscamping.org.
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Visitation

MAY 28. 07:00 PM - 09:00 PM T.J. McGowan Sons Funeral Home - Garnerville, NY 71 N. Central Hwy. Garnerville, NY, US, 10923 info@tjmcgowansonsfh.com

Visitation

MAY 29. 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM T.J. McGowan Sons Funeral Home - Garnerville, NY 71 N. Central Hwy. Garnerville, NY, US, 10923 info@tjmcgowansonsfh.com

Visitation

MAY 29. 07:00 PM - 09:00 PM T.J. McGowan Sons Funeral Home - Garnerville, NY 71 N. Central Hwy. Garnerville, NY, US, 10923 info@tjmcgowansonsfh.com

Funeral Mass

MAY 30. 10:00 AM St. Gregory Barbarigo Church Cinder Road Garnerville, NY, US, 10923
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