Thomas McKenna
Obituary Reports the death of an individual, providing an account of the person’s life including their achievements, any controversies in which they were involved, and reminiscences by people who knew them.
Thomas Joseph McKenna, cherished father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, passed away on Apr. 17 at the age of 87.
He was born on Aug. 22, 1935, on a farm in Bodyke, County Clare, Ireland, where he was raised, along with his four brothers and one sister, by his parents Edward and Molly McKenna. He was a remarkable man with a remarkable story and had a rebellious nature from a young boy, which propelled him to immigrate to America in 1957, after a short stay in England.
He settled in Tarrytown, where he met Jean Slattery while bartending at Mackins. They married in 1959, beginning 47 years of marriage until her death in 2006. They remained in Westchester County, first in Irvington and then Pleasantville, where they raised their four daughters.
Tom had a work ethic that was admirable and worked hard to give his family a happy life. There were many years he worked two jobs in a single day, while also bartending on weekends. He was a laborer, with the majority of his career spent working for County Asphalt, and was a member of the Heavy Construction Laborers Union. When he retired, he went to work full-time for Barr Brothers Moving Company.
Tom’s joy came from taking care of grandchildren, watching hurling and cheering on his beloved County Clare Team. He loved singing and listening to Irish music. He brought many to tears with his rendition of “Danny Boy.” Most Sunday mornings he could be found on the golf course, where he was known to be a tough competitor, but also where he found great happiness. He had a fondness for the ponies and a nice pint of Guinness or a white wine spritzer.
His family in Europe held a special place in his heart with Ireland being at its center. Once he finally made his way back to his homeland, his true love became spending time at his family home in Bodyke and working on the farm with his brothers, making up for lost time.
His memory lives on through his adoring children, Patricia, Diane (Brien) O’Brien, Kathryn (Marcello) Viscogliosi and Clare McKenna and her partner, David Kelton; and through his grandchildren, Tara O’Brien and her fiancée, Philip Sanzo, Thomas O’Brien, Hanna Salamida, Elizabeth Salamida and Catherine Salamida; his brother, John (Brid) McKenna; his sister, Mary Hughes; as well as his loving nephews, nieces, cousins and friends he considered family.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org.
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