Timothy James McKenna

1946 - 2026

Timothy McKenna

Haverhill, NH - Timothy James McKenna, 79, of Haverhill, New Hampshire, died peacefully at home on February 5, 2026, surrounded by his family, after a long and difficult battle with cancer.

Born in Middleborough, Massachusetts, on July 15, 1946, to Arthur and Emily (Maleski) McKenna, Tim was the oldest of four children. He attended Catholic schools and earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst before receiving his Juris Doctorate from Suffolk University Law School in 1972.

While living in Boston, he met and fell in love with Phyllis (Pridmore). They married in July 1972 and soon moved to Woodsville, where Tim began his career as an attorney. Together, they built a life rooted in shared traditions and simple pleasures, including antique auctions, gardening with their daughters, and cherished annual events such as attending the Christmas Revels and the Big Apple Circus. Tim also loved cooking big meals for the family and baking; he and the girls took many baking classes together.

Tim served his community for 34 years as a judge, where he was widely respected for his fairness, integrity, and compassion. He was deeply committed to justice and valued the relationships he built with colleagues across the courts.

An outdoorsman at heart, Tim enjoyed rowing, fly fishing, and duck hunting, especially the quiet early mornings spent with friends. He loved all dogs, always keeping a stash of treats on hand.

Tim was predeceased by his parents and his sisters, Kathleen McKenna and Janet McGarry. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis McKenna; his daughters, Meghan McKenna and Laura McKenna; Laura's husband, Daniel Worthing; and his sister, Rosemary McKenna.

Calling hours will be held Sunday, February 15, from 4–6 p.m. at Hatchland Farm in North Haverhill. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, February 19, at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Woodsville. A private interment will take place in the spring. Donations in Tim's memory may be made to the Hatchland Farm Milk Drive, which provides milk vouchers to local food banks. By phone 603-787-6077, in person, or by mail: Hatchland Farm c/o The Milk Drive; Robin Page 401 Clough Road N. Haverhill NH 03774

To offer the family an online condolence, please visit www.rickerfh.com

Ricker Funeral Home & Cremation Care of Woodsville is assisting the family with arrangements.