John F. McKenna

Mr. John F. McKenna, of Newton, died Friday, June 2, 2023 at Newton-Wellesley Hospital.  He was 92.

John was born in Boston on November 22, 1930, the son of the late John H. and Gertrude (Brophy) McKenna.  He was raised in West Roxbury and was a graduate of Boston College High School.  After that he earned his bachelor’s degree in physics from Harvard University.

Following his graduation from college he joined the United States Navy during the Korean War and served aboard the USS Mullany, a Fletcher-class destroyer deployed to the Pacific Fleet. 

Discharged as a Lieutenant JG in 1956, John went to law school at Boston College Law School and after passing the bar was one of the founding partners of Cesari and McKenna, a Boston law firm renowned for its expertise in specialty areas of practice.  John became a sought after expert in patent and trademark cases.

Following his marriage to Quincy native Margaret Jane LaCroix the couple lived in Boston and in Sudbury before moving to Newton more than forty years ago.  He read extensively and owing to his inquisitive nature tinkered with electronics throughout his life.

John also found great peace and relaxation aboard his boat, a 28’ Chris-Craft, that he kept moored at Union Wharf in Boston.

In addition to his wife, Jane, he leaves his children, Brian McKenna (Michele) of Greenfield, New Hampshire, Justin McKenna of Newton and Angela Mulholland of Shrewsbury; 10 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

He was also the father of the late Ivy Marchioni and brother of the late Polly Sullivan and Katherine Hennessey.

Family and friends will honor and remember John’s life by gathering for his Funeral Mass on Friday, June 9^th at 10:30 a.m. in Our Lady Help of Christians Church, 573 Washington Street, Newton.  Burial will be private.