Eugene McKenna

Eugene “Gene” McKenna, 80, of Sussex County, departed May 30, 2025. Mr. McKenna was a proud Irish-American, the 7th child of Joseph and Mildred (Ginley) McKenna of Harrison, New Jersey, where he and his siblings were raised.

Mr. McKenna married Genevieve Walsh in 1962, much to the dismay of the Catholic church in which they both were raised. Gene considered himself an atheist and was not supportive of organized religions many hypocrisies.

In the 1970’s, the McKennas set out for greener pastures, and planted their roots in Sussex County. They built their home in Sandyston Township and enjoyed the quiet rural life well into their later years.

Mr. McKenna celebrated a 30 year career with the U.S. Postal Service in Newark. He retired as an electronics technician, and took classes at University of Oklahoma, to further his career. In his retirement, Gene drove for McGlew Transportation, assisting individuals with special needs.

Gene will be remembered as a quiet, stoic man with a wicked sense of humor. Often dubbed “a man of few words” he was selectively social and preferred to keep his circle small. He was the kind of man who would not think twice about helping someone else, often citing the lack of support and encouragement his family received in their early years.

Mr. McKenna was predeceased by his wife Genevieve and siblings Agnes and John Coughlin, Joseph McKenna, Frank McKenna, Maryellen Irwin, Grace Faas, and Claire McKenna.

Gene is survived by his loving children- Patricia (Jill), Dawn, Shawn (Sonja), and Tracy (David) and his magnificent seven grandchildren, who were his moon and stars- JerryAnna (Bryce), Brentlee, Aidan (Grace), Rylee, Rachael, Seth, and Conor, his brother Edward, his brother from another mother Robert “Butch” Yoka, special friend and companion Pat Taft, and an abundance of nieces, nephews, and their families.

A private celebration of life is being planned. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Sussex-Wantage Lilttle League, and having a glass of Manischewitz blackberry wine, in his honor.