Memorial

 

Thomas Patrick McKenna passed away at home from a short illness with his family by his side on March 22, 2014.  

Thomas was born August 29, 1939 in New York City, NY to Thomas and Martha (Donohue) McKenna.  He was an Irish born 1st generation after his parents immigrated to America.  After attending Flushing High School, Tom enlisted and served in the United States Air Force from 1956 to 1962.  He worked in maintenance at Geneva Tower and later at the Cherry Building. He loved growing his own garden and flower plants starting them in late winter and tending to their fruits all summer long. Tom loved giving his starter plants to friends and family so they could also enjoy his love of gardening.

Thomas married Radell Boddicker Eiler on November 3, 2006, at St. Ludmila Catholic Church.  Thomas is survived by his wife, Radell and Radell’s stepchildren, Jason (Deb) Eiler, Atkins, Iowa; Preston Eiler, Marion, IA; and Adam Eiler of Houston, TX and Radell’s grandchildren who he loved dearly, Hunter, Jacob and Emma Eiler.

Thomas is also survived by his brother John and wife Karen of East Northport, NY; sister, Sr. Martha McKenna and Sr. Patricia O’Neill (who was like a sister to him), both of Hampton Bays, NY.  Nephew: John Thomas McKenna and wife Robin Driscoll, Wendell, MA Niece: Karen Mary (Paul) Toft, Valley Glen, CA and Dan’s wife, Cheryl McKenna, Greenfield, MA Mother-in-law, Marjorie Boddicker; sisters and brothers-in-law, Rhonda and Barry Franck and Jolene and Allen Walter.  Great nieces and nephews Neal, Dillon (Ashlee), Giovanna McKenna, Brennan and Chelsea McKenna, Mickey Toft and Jen Santoriello (Pat Mellon), Robb (Tammy) Franck, Jodie (Wes) Obermueller, and Karrie (Mitch) Price.  And 11 great great nieces and nephews.  He is also survived by a special family friend, Carolyn Kinney.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Elizabeth Darnell and nephew Daniel McKenna.

Funeral Mass: with military rites will be Thursday, March 27, 2014 at 10:30 at St. Ludmila Catholic Church with Father Dennis Juhl presiding.  Visitation will be from 9 AM until the time of service.  Private burial will be at St. Patrick’s and St. Paul’s Catholic Cemetery, Watkins, Iowa at a later date.  A memorial fund has been established.