McKENNA, Donald F. - It is with great sadness that the family of Donald “Don” F. McKenna announces his peaceful passing on September 9, 2023 at the age of 82. Don was born July 28, 1941 to the late Florence and Myles McKenna. He was the loving husband of Ellen (Norton) McKenna. Don was a devoted father to Donald McKenna of Waltham, Michael McKenna and his wife Elizabeth of Dedham, the late David McKenna and Kerry McKenna of Milton. He was a loving step father to Jennifer Coppinger of West Roxbury and Joanna Bogie of Dedham. Don was also a proud grandfather to 13 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. He was a dedicated brother to the late John “Jack” McKenna of West Roxbury and Sandra Dionne of Dedham. He is also predeceased by his late wife Mary (Lang) McKenna.
Don was a hard worker his entire life, beginning as a young boy shining shoes and selling newspapers in Boston. He went on to spend his life working in the automotive industry including owning his own business, Patriot Motors, in Dedham for over 35 years. Don never truly retired as he continued to work in the business until his passing.
Don was an active member in his community throughout his life. In his early years, he was instrumental in developing the local Babe Ruth baseball league program and served as a coach for many years. He dedicated his time and served as an usher at Holy Name Parish. As an advocate for Veterans, Don raised funds to have phones installed in patient rooms at the local Veterans Hospital. He served as past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus 1308 in Roslindale, past President of both Dedham and West Roxbury Rotary Clubs and past president of the Massachusetts Independent Automotive Dealers Association (MIADA).
Don loved spending time with his family, watching Boston sports, traveling, listening to country music, and playing cards. He loved life and lived it to the fullest! He will be greatly missed!
Visiting Hours at the William J. Gormley Funeral Home, 2055 Centre St. West Roxbury on Wednesday, September 13th from 4-8pm. Funeral from the funeral home on Thursday, September 14th at 9am followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Theresa Church at 10 o’clock. Relatives and friends invited. Interment Gethsemane Cemetery. For directions and guestbook gormleyfuneral.com.