"Our sincere condolences to MaryJean and family on the passing of one of the outstanding men of Newport and Rhode Island. Many leave their mark as they pass thru life but few do it with the grace and humility of our friend Bob such that his mark will be long-lasting in the hearts of those he touched. Fondly, Rachel and Jack Baxter"
In loving memory of
Robert J. McKenna
February 23, 1931 - January 15, 2012
Robert J. McKenna died on Sunday, January 15, 2012, at home with his loving family. He leaves his wife of 55 years, Mary Jean Kelly McKenna.Bob was born at home in Providence, the son James C. and Margaret Gorman McKenna on February 23, 1931. He was educated at St. Patricks School, La Salle Academy, Brown University and the Catholic University of America. He received an honorary Doctorate from Our Lady of Providence Seminary. After graduating from Brown University in 1953, he joined the US Army and became a Russian Linguist at the Army Language School in Monterey, California. He married and moved to Washington, D.C. where he worked for the National Security Agency, the Walter Reed Medical Center and as a Special Assistant to Senator Claiborne Pell. He came to Newport, RI in 1965 to work for Salve Regina College now University where he taught and was an Administrator for 30 years.Bob became involved with Politics and served as a State Representative from 1969-1973 and as a State Senator from 1974-1985. He was the Mayor of Newport, RI from 1988-1994. Bob had a great interest in Higher Education and served as a member and chair of the Rhode Island Higher Education Assistance Authority and the Rhode Island Student Loan Authority. He was also on the New England Board of Higher Education and served as chair. He worked for 17 years as the President of the Rhode Island Independent Higher Education Association. Bob served on the Board of Governors and was a member of the State Investment CommissionBob belonged to many civic organizations including the Irish Heritage Association, the Irish Museum of Newport Association, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and served as St. Patricks Day Parade Marshall, Festa Italiana, the Berkeley Society, the Rhode Island Historical Society, the Heritage Commission, the Heritage Harbor Project, the Fort Adams Trust, the Blue Cross Board, the Newport County Mental Health Center, the Preservation Society, the Newport Historical Society, the Newport Democratic City Committee, and along with his wife, he was Democrat of the Year 2005.He was inducted into the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame, the LaSalle Academy Hall of Fame, and was a Knight of St. Gregory the Great. He was a longtime member of the Right to Life of Rhode Island. He is also survived by his children, Kelly, Margaret Enkler and her husband Peter, Mark McKenna , Raymond McKenna and his wife Diane, Elizabeth McKenna, Paul McKenna and his wife Nancy, and Patricia MacDonald and her husband Kevin. He also leaves his pride and joy, his grandchildren: Erika and Tristan Enkler, Sean McKenna, Julia, Ryan, Kaitlin, and Joshua McKenna, Emily and Phoebe MacDonald, and Kyle and Brandan McKenna.His funeral will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2012, at 9:00AM, from the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM, in St. Josephs Church, Broadway and Mann Avenue, Newport. Burial will take place in Mount St. Marys Cemetery in Pawtucket.Calling hours will be held on Friday, January 20, 2012, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM, in the funeral home.Donations in his memory may be made to the Salve Regina University Scholarship Fund, 100 Ochre Point Avenue, Newport, RI 02840.
Tributes
"Mary Jean, I am so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. He meant so much to me as a NEBHE member, with his experience and knowledge and passion for higher education. I'll always remember our wonderful NEBHE meeting in Newport, and how proud Bob was to show us his beautiful city."
"Dear Trish and Kevin, We just recently found out about the passing of your dear father. Our hearts are with you during this very difficult time. Love to you and the family. Henry and Patricia"
"My deepest sympathy and condolences on the loss of Bob. He was a true gentleman and a joy to know and work with. May your memories of him bring you comfort and peace."
"Mary Jean Very sorry to hear about the death of Bob. He was very much a gentleman. Because of the storm, we failed to make it to the funeral. Margaret an I did go to the cemetary only to find the gates locked. I suspect he was buried where your mother & father were buried, next to my folks. We've had a mass said at Blessed Pope John Paul the 2nd Church formally, St.Leo'sPlease send your address Earl"
"Mary Jean and family, Please accept our sincere sympathy on the death of Bob. He was a wonderful man, who did so much for so many. He will be missed. Charles and Mary Silvia"
"Dearest McKenna Family-We are so sorry to learn of the loss of dear "Mayor McKenna". He will always be remembered as a wonderfully friendly man and neighbor with boundless energy and enthusiasm who devouted his life to making the world a better place. Our hearts are with you, The Flynn Family"
"Dear Dawn & Family, So Sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family."
"Meg, I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. How are *you* holding up? My thoughts are with you and your family."
"Dear Mary Jean and Family, Bob's death was sad news, indeed. We have so many happy memories of you both and surely there was no more dedicated person to the welfare of Newport than Bob. Our prayers and sympathy are with all of you. Mark, we know how much you will miss your dad. With affection, Barbara and Joe Strasser"
"Please accept my sympathy for your loss. He will be missed by everyone who knew him."
"Meg, Our prayers are with you and the family."
"Mary Jean and Family, Please accept our deepest sympathies on Bob's passing. We are very sorry for your loss. Sincerely, Rocco and Dolores Quattrocchi"
"Robert McKenna was a great Newporter, who was very good to me; and, I loved him very much."
"Mark, Im very sorry to hear about your father passing. We will keep you in our prayers. Jerry"
"Mary Jean and the Mckenna family, we were deeply saddened to learn of Bob's passing. Bob was an outstanding public servant who served the people of Newport and Rhode Island admirably leaving behind a better place for all to live in. May you find peace and strength with each passing day. Our thoughts and prayers are with you."
"Mary Jane and Family My sincere condolences and prayers at this time of Bob's passing from our earthly Community to our Heavenly Commuty that he so richly deserves as faithful husband, guiding parent dedicated educator and passionate public servant. My memory flashes back to the 60s and your hospitality and struggles as a young couple so eager even then to serve both the Church and the wider Newport Community. Thank you Mary Jean and Family for sharing Bob with us."
"Dear Mark & all your family, my very sincere condolences to you on your loss; you have all my prayers. Stacey"
"MARK, SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR FATHER, SOUNDS LIKE A WONDERFUL MAN. NOW I KNOW WHERE YOU GET ALL YOU SMARTS. AGAIN SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS MARY"
"My deepest condolences to the whole family. While the world lost a great man last Sunday, I am sure he is at peace in a better place. Miss you all."
"Dearest Beth & Family; I was so sad to hear of your wonderful Father's passing. Always the quintessential gentleman, Mr. McKenna always welcomed me into your home growing up.Lots of fond memories. I truly hope great memories are able to sustain you through the difficult times. My every sympathy to each of you. Please give Mom a hug for me. As I am in Florida, I am sorry i wont be able to attend his services. I will be there in spirit with you all. Love always, Chris and Isabelle"
"To the entire McKenna family I offer my heartfelt condolences on the passing of the great Mayor McKenna. My thoughts and prayers are will you during this time."
"Dear Beth, I was sorry to read of you loss. I haven't seen you in a few years and hope you are well. Jim"
"Ray, Diana and Family, I am sorry to hear of the loss of your father. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. He was a good man. Diane Alexander"
"My heartfelt condolences to the entire McKenna family."
"I first meet Bob back in 1968. we have long been associated through various activities. He was a great man that did so much to make the world better. He will be missed. I extend on behalf my wife and myself our sincere sympathy to the family."
"Condolences to Mary Jean and the entire McKenna family from the Malkovich family. Bob was truly one of a kind, and such a positive influence on his community. I'll miss his visits to the Newport Music Festival offices, where he shared his many and varied interests. Rest in Peace."
"A good friend, trusted colleague, and valued public servant, the loss of Bob is a loss for the state. He will be missed. His contributions many, always honorable."
"Shawna & I were saddened to hear of Bob's passing. He was a good neighbor to Shawna's parents and always willing to share a little Newport history every time we came up from Houston. Our best wishes to the family."
"To the McKenna Family: I was sorry to hear of Bob's passing. He was a special kind of person, involved in all the things that makes our country great, and Newport in particular. He will be greatly missed by family and the community."
"Mary Jean and the entire McKenna family. Lou and I want to express our sincere condolences on the death of Bob our friend and sometimes mentor at Salve. My brother John Hawkins also asked that I express his condolences as well as he is unable to participate in the funeral services. Our prayers are with you. Catherine and Lou Graziano"
"Our sincerest sympathies to you and your whole family, Mrs. McKenna, in the loss of your wonderful husband. He was a great friend to my dad back in the Bicentennial days. I think Mr. McKenna, along with Mary Brennan and Sr. Lucille and Salve played a role in my ending up in Newport!!! What a great man he was and what a fantastic legacy you both have behind you. You are all in our thoughts and prayers~ Meg, Rob, & children"
"I am so sorry . He was a good friend and colleague for so many years. I wish I could attend the services but my prayers and sense of loss must suffice. God bless Bob."
"Dear Mary Jean, I was so sorry to read of Bob's death. You were so fortunate to have a 55 year marriage, but now it will leave a big void in your life. Sounds like you have a wonderful group of grandchildren to bring joy into your life. My sincerest sympathy to you. Fondly, Jean"
"To Jean Mekenna and family Sorry to hear of Bobs passing. I hope to see you in better times. paulette and Harvey Green"
"Mary Jane & family: Ann and I send our condolences on the passing of Bob. We are so sorry for your loss. Bob has left a wonderful legacy of service in his community and State of Rhode Island. He will be missed and long remembered. May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. Our thoughts and prayers are with you."
"To Mary Jean and the entire McKenna family, I am saddened to learn of Bob's passing. I was lucky enough to meet and get and know Bob when he was a State Senator and I was a "wet behind the ears" aide to Governor Garrahy. He was always helpful honest and loyal- rare qualities these days. To Mary Jean and family, thank you for sharing this fine man with all of us over the years. Our prayers are with you during this sad time. Mike Ryan"
"CONDOLENCES MARY JEAN AND ALL THE McKENNA'S FROM THE MUSEUM OF IRISH HISTORY,AOH AND THE MURPHYS OF FIFTH WARD SQUARE. AS ONE WHO JOINED THE AOH WITH BOB, AND SERVED ON THE BOARD OF THE MUSEUM WITH HIM, I KNOW WE WILL ALL MISS HIM. MAY GOD HOLD YOU ALL IN THE HALLOW OF HIS HAND."
"Opa was a great man with much energy and wit. He will be remember always."