Thomas G McKenna

Thomas Gerald McKenna, age 93, of Blossvale, NY and formerly of Potsdam, NY passed away peacefully on Friday, January 16, 2026, surrounded by his family. Tom was born on September 19,1932 in Potsdam, NY as the second of five boys to Leo and Frances (Mackey) McKenna. Tom married Shirley (LaDuke) McKenna on November 7, 1959 in Lyon Mountain, NY and was her forever devoted husband for 66 years. Surviving Tom besides his wife are his five children, Kevin McKenna and Ellen Schumacher of Wayland, NY; Karen and Joe Latulipe of Blossvale, NY; Kathy and Randy McDonald of Ithaca, NY; Kimberly and Tom Jiguere of Merrill, NY; Kelli and Todd D’Ambrosio of Powhatan, VA.

Tom was the proud grandfather to the following: Ryan (Jason MacLean) Latulipe; Ashley (Jared) Kennedy; Zachary (Sarah) McKenna; Tyler Latulipe; Maddi McDonald; Trey McDonald; Kyle Jiguere; Logan McDonald; Lucas Jiguere; Lindsey D’Ambrosio; Owen D’Ambrosio; Nicholas (Ashley) Schumacher; Jenna (Jeff Smith) Schumacher. Tom is also survived by three sisters-in-law: Anna McKenna, Mickey McKenna and Evelyn (Arthur) McCormick, as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Tom was predeceased by his four brothers: Donald, John “Bernard”, Richard, and Laurence McKenna.

Tom graduated from Potsdam High School in 1950 and went to SUNY Potsdam for one semester before transferring to Canton ATC in 1951. Tom’s college career was put on hold when he joined the United States Air Force in the winter of 1952 and served until he was honorably discharged as an Airman First Class in August 1956. Tom then finished college at Canton ATC graduating with an Associate’s Degree in Agricultural Business in 1957. He began his career working for GLF immediately following graduation as a manager trainee in Oswego, NY. Tom worked as assistant manager in Plattsburgh Agway and manager of Rouses Point Agway before becoming manager of Chateaugay Agway in 1965. After calling Chateaugay home for 22 years, Tom was transferred to the Agway Canton Blend Plant and moved back to his childhood home in Potsdam NY in 1987. Tom continued to work in Canton until his retirement from Agway in September 1994 after a 37 year career. After his retirement, Tom enjoyed working on house projects, refinishing furniture, traveling, attending his grandchildren’s various events, keeping up on world events, and watching Yankees baseball games.

Tom was an active member of St. Patrick’s Church in Chateaugay and St. Mary’s in Potsdam. He served on the Parish Council and was a Eucharistic Minister. He was a member of the American Legion and a proud Irishman. He was happiest when surrounded by his family and grandchildren. Tom was a great role model and believed in hard work. He loved sharing old stories, taking rides on the Massey Ferguson, and he would never pass up a special treat, especially a bowl of vanilla ice cream.

Private calling hours for the family will be held on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, from 2-4 PM at the Garner Funeral Home, 10 Lawrence Avenue, Potsdam. A mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 10:30 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 20 Lawrence Avenue, Potsdam with Father Bryan Stitt, officiating. Burial will take place in the spring at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Potsdam NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care Oneida County, 4277 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford, NY 13413 and St. Mary’s Church, 20 Lawrence Avenue, Potsdam, NY 13676.