Edward G. McKenna Jr.

McKenna, Edward G., fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church on Wednesday, July 2, 2025. Beloved husband of the late Ellen Giacomozzi McKenna; dear mother of Stephen (Molly) and Kevin (Grace) McKenna; dearest grandfather of Amelia and Jacob McKenna; our dear uncle, cousin, and friend to many.

Edward “Ken” McKenna as he was affectionately known was born at St Mary’s hospital in St Louis, MO on May 9th 1948. His early life was happy and surrounded by love. He enjoyed trips to his uncle’s farm in Jonesburg MO. As a young man he helped his father in the family construction business. They also shared a love of flying, each holding a pilot’s license. His father Edward McKenna Sr would fly with his son all over the Midwest in their Cessna. This experience instilled in him a lifelong fascination with aviation. Ken was a devout catholic, he attended Immacolata Elementary School, followed by Chaminade High school in St Louis. At 18 years old during his senior year, Ken tragically lost his mother Marian to a sudden heart attack. This tragedy had a profound effect on him, he became even closer to his father before leaving to attend Drury College for his undergraduate degree. He and his father remained close during his time at Drury and beyond.

After graduation Ken had several jobs eventually finding himself in mortgage finance at Liberty Loan Corp. During his tenure there, he met Ellen Giacomozzi. Struck by her intelligence, beauty and charm and wooing her with a shared love of art, music, dancing and a playful spirit, the two were married in 1979. They eventually had two children, Stephen and Kevin, to whom they imparted their shared interest, including a love of theater that endures to this day. Later, Ken transitioned to Vice President of Citicorp where he pursued and completed a Master’s Degree from Washington University in St Louis. As time went on, Ken was asked to relocate from St Louis to New York City for work. With two young children, and a deep love for St Louis, he declined the offer and founded Mckenna Consulting Inc. After many successful years creating software for a variety of mega-banks, the first online contract bridge program, and various other projects Ken retired to spend more time with his family and continue building the farms he acquired in his youth. He found peace in being able to get away from the city and communing with nature, often saying being at the farm made him “feel closer to God”. Ken also spent his time concerned with the welfare of others. He especially took time throughout his career to help family members both immediate and extended. He cherished his aunts and uncles who had been there for him when he lost his mother. Ken deeply loved his family and friends with many enduring relationships that spanned the entirety of his life.

An avid collector, Ken was fascinated by engineering, history, economics, art and culture, music, and had a deep appreciation for creative problem solving. Skills and hobbies he used in his everyday life. Ken was also a classically trained pianist who greatly enjoyed ragtime, rock and roll, and classical music (and could play them all). Ken was a passionate man with deeply held convictions, he loved his family, his city, his country, and his freedom above all else. He will be remembered fondly, missed immeasurably, and loved eternally.

SERVICES: Funeral Mass at Our Lady of the Pillar Church, 401 S. Lindbergh Blvd. on Friday, July 11, 2025, 11:00 a.m. Visitation at Church from 10:00 a.m. until time of funeral mass. Interment Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery.

Memorial contributions to the Alzheimer Association of Greater Missouri, www.alz.org/greatermissouri, appreciated.