(The following obituary was provided by the family)
Robert James McKenna III of Seekonk died Dec. 9 surrounded by his loving family. Born in Jewett City, Conn. on Christmas Eve 1950, he was the son of the late Robert Jr. and Rosemarie McKenna. He was reborn Aug. 29, 1981, the day he married his "young lady," the love of his life, Karen (Mahoney) McKenna.
He was the devoted father of Tim and Katie McKenna and her fiancé Danny Sousa, and the best buddy of "Duke." He is survived by his sisters Carleen Banas and her husband Tony, Ellen Bell and her husband Phil, Judy Breen and her husband Jim and his brothers Michael McKenna and his wife Chantal and Adam Murphy and his wife Cindy. He will also be missed by his sister-in law Ellen Bentley and her husband Michael and brother-in-law Kevin Mahoney.
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Bob proudly served his country as a member of the U.S. Navy during the
Vietnam War. He was a letter carrier for the United States Postal Service in
Pawtucket for 27 years. Known by many as the "Unofficial Mayor of
Seekonk," he gave back to his community by serving as president of the
Seekonk Athletics Booster Club, member of the Conservation Commission,
Veterans Committee, Meadows Park Committee and the Seekonk High School and Martin School building committees. He also gave his time generously as a Cub Scout and Girl Scout Leader as well as a Little League and softball coach. In addition, he was part of the "Big Brothers" program for more than 30 years. He was an avid supporter of the Rhode Island Blood Center, donating regularly.
In addition to serving his community and enriching the lives of those he loved, his hobbies included rooting for the Patriots and Red Sox (until recently), chasing pigs and talking, endlessly, to anyone who would listen … even Republicans. His passions included spending time with his family and friends, fishing, telling and retelling stories and complaining about politics. He was a uniquely special man who will be missed by all who knew him. He selflessly donated his body to the Brown University Medical Research Center.
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Last week on Wednesday, a Memorial Mass took place in the morning at St. Dominic Church in Swansea. The family received friends from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Seekonk High. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory
to the Seekonk Athletics Booster Club (261 Arcade Ave., Seekonk, MA 02771) would be greatly appreciated.
