John D. "JD" McKenna, 53, of Dartmouth died unexpectedly Saturday, November 14, 2020.
Born in New Bedford, son of Ann E. (Dalzell) McKenna and the late John J. McKenna, Jr., he lived in New Bedford most of his life.
JD was a retired Massachusetts state correctional officer, and CDL driver for Tremblay Bus Company in New Bedford. He was well known in the Greater New Bedford area as the Catcher for Post 1 Legion Baseball, New Bedford High School, and Little League. As an adult, JD continued his love of baseball and played for many local and travel softball teams, throughout the city of New Bedford. In his retirement, JD’s enjoyment turned towards camping in his RV and country concerts with his daughter Kacey, family and many friends. JD’s love for spring training with his brothers brought him to retire in Fort Myers, Florida with his four legged companion, Maya. JD was always up for anything and the life of the party. We will remember JD for the sparkle in his eye, dimpled smile, crazy facial expressions and dance moves. JD and Johnny Mack are watching over loved ones from the stands in their Field of Dreams.
Survivors include his mother; his daughter, Kacey McKenna of Fairhaven; his brothers, Timothy McKenna of New Bedford, Thomas McKenna and his wife Lori of Cumberland, RI, Kevin McKenna and his wife Donna of Fairhaven, and Chris McKenna and his wife Michele of Newport, RI; 2 aunts, Norma Dyer of South Dartmouth and Elizabeth Lajoie of New Bedford; his uncle, Charles McKenna and his wife Kathy of New Bedford; his nieces and nephew, Jessica McKenna, Ryan McKenna, Madison McKenna and Meghan McKenna; and many other relatives.
Visiting hours will be held on Saturday, November 21, 2020 from 1 to 6PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Funeral Home, 495 Park St., New Bedford. Please be advised that due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there are strict guidelines that must be adhered to for the safety of everyone. You MUST wear a mask to be allowed entry to the services. Please practice social distancing and avoid any close contact. Guests will be permitted to pay their respects and depart to allow the next guests to enter. Capacity at the funeral home will be limited so there could be wait times outside the funeral home. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to the American Sleep Apnea Association at: www.sleepapnea.org.