John Eugene McKenna

John E. McKenna, 73, died suddenly on February 24, 2025, he was the beloved husband of 51 years to Patricia ( Linstrom ) McKenna. Born in Providence, RI he was the son of the late Raymond and Alice ( Flynn ) McKenna. John was educated in the Providence Schools and Providence College.

For 40 years John lived in Smithfield, RI. He was a lieutenant on the Providence Fire Department, a job he truly loved. He retired a hero. For many years after his retirement, he worked at the Pawtucket Red Sox and at spring training as an usher.

John and Pat relocated to Fort Myers in 2013. They met and enjoyed many friends there. John would always help a friend in need.

In addition to his wife Pat, John is survived by his children, Megan A. Dempsey and her husband Bryan of North Providence, Maura McKenna and her partner Seth Anderson of Pascoag and Melissa Brown and her husband Jason. He was known as Poppi and beloved by his grandchildren, Anthony John ( AJ ) Assaiante, Kerri and Andrew Dempsey and another grandchild. He is also survived by his siblings, Raymond McKenna and his wife Carole, Eileen Bibler and her husband Thomas and his sister in law Doreen McKenna. He was the brother in law of Judith Pine, Dorothy Kennedy, Mary Carpentier, Susan Howland and Madelyn Morrison. He was loved by his many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews and great grandniece. He was brother of the late Patricia McKenna and Phillip McKenna.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, March 22, 2025 in the Russell J. Boyle and Son Funeral Home, 331 Smith Street, Providence, RI beginning at 11:00 am with services beginning at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers donations should be made to the London/Riley Memorial Scholarship Fund, 53 Dante Avenue, Johnston, RI 02919 or www.londonriley.org/donate