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Charles McKenna Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Charles McKenna
Jacki and Geo Conn
November 25, 2007
Bobbi, My hands are shaking right now and my heart goes out to you and your wonderful family. I was sitting in the living room with George and said something happened to Charlie McKenna. I went to the internet and much to my shock I saw the news. I tried to call you immediatel but do not have your current number. Please call me when you can. Geo and I send much love....we go back a long way. love, Jacki and Geo.
Barbieri Family
November 25, 2007
Dear Bobbie and Family,
Please accept our sincerest sympathies. We are shocked and saddened. Charlie was a great guy and we feel very sorry for you and all of your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bobbi McKenna
November 21, 2007
Thank you our dear friends, family, neighbors and colleagues. It is 2:30 am - you know McKenna time! I'm waiting for Colleen and family to arrive from Maryland. This is the first time I have read your comments. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Charlie was a great man and I hope that you keep a special part of your history of him in you heart. He will be forever in ours.Love Bobbi
Vince Panettiere
November 20, 2007
To the McKenna family, I was shocked to hear about Chuck tonight. Please accept my sincerest sympathies. I worked with Chuck at Varian most of my professional career, and have the highest regard for his brilliance and leadership.
Thomas & Anthony O'Donnell & Staff at the Peterson-O'Donnell Funeral Home
November 19, 2007
The O'Donnell Family and Staff of The Peterson-O'Donnell Funeral Home wish to express our sincere sympathy to you. It is our hope that we may be able to make this difficult period more bearable. Please feel free to call on us at anytime, as we are always available for you.
Tonia and Jimmy Ruf
November 16, 2007
Bobby and family,
So sorry to hear of charlie's passing, our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours. We remember many good times with both of you in Poughkeepsie, with The IBM group.We know you will have much support from your great family. love Jimmy and Tonia Ruf
Laura Guarino
November 14, 2007
Dear McKenna Family,
You are all in my dearest thoughts and prayers. I am very sorry for your loss, may God be with you in this time of need.
Kay Kendall
November 12, 2007
Chuck was instrumental in my joining Brooks. I was introduced to him by a mutual colleague who worked for one of our customers. I was told that he was a great guy, and truer words were never spoken.
Steve Klarich
November 11, 2007
Mary and family, please know that you will all be in my thoughts and in my prayers. Your father was a great man. If there is anything that I can do, please let me know.
Kim Spelman
November 11, 2007
McKenna family...
I am so very sorry for your loss.
With most sincere condolences,
Kim Spelman
Edna Ryssel-Jahn
November 9, 2007
Dear Bobbi and family,
I was terribly saddened to hear of Charlie’s passing. Charlie was such a wonderful husband and father and I am truly sorry that you lost him so prematurely.
I feel fortunate that I had been able to be part of your great family many years ago. I treasure the memories of the time that I stayed with you and Charlie in Boxford. During that time Charlie was almost like a father to me. I came to know him as a warm-hearted and caring person – I will miss him very much.
I hope that you find strength and comfort in each other during this sad time. You are always in my thoughts and in my heart.
Keiichi Furugaki
November 9, 2007
Please accept my deepest sympathy.I have so good memories of Chuck since 1983 for over 10 years as Chuck was my most important business counterpart in United States when he was General Manager of Varian IIS. He was truely a gentleman and great business manager
,and then he supported Japanese operation so much.I sincerely thank Chuck of his great work and contribution to the semiconductor industry over passed years.
Jim Vandergast
November 9, 2007
Chuck or Stick McKenna as he was called in his college days at Saint Joe's in Philadelphia. I admired Chuck for his diligence, hard work and ethics. It was instilled into him and his siblings by his parents who had set very high standards for their children. This is shown by their successful careers, humility and their charity.
I last saw Chuck at our 45th reunion. He was still the same quiet spoken person with a happy smile. Chuck will be missed. To his family I pray that their time of sorry will be healed with the memories of the fun, laughter and happy times with Chuck. May Chuck's soul and the souls of the faithfully departed rest in peace. Thanks Chuck for all that you have done to make this world a better place.
Peace to his family.
Jim Vandergast, Class of 58 St. Philomena's School.
Mitchell Wise
November 8, 2007
I did not know Chuck personally but I listened to those quarterly Ibis conference calls for many years including the most recent one. When I was perusing the latest press releases and saw the one relating to Chuck, my heart sank. God bless Chuck and the McKenna family.
Joyce Amati-Haug
November 8, 2007
To the McKenna Family,
I went to grade school at St. Philomena's with Charles (as we call him back then). He was so bright and such a good person. I never saw him again until several years ago at our grade school reunion at the Lambs Tavern. It was so wonderful to see the same
qualities in him as those of his childhood. He told me of his lovely wife and family;he was so proud of all of you. He spoke modestly about his career but I knew he was very successful. He was so thrilled when I told him I had also attended St. Joes. We were Hawks!
I pray that he is with God and that God gives all of you the strength to persevere during this very sad time. You must all have
fond memories of him as well as a sense of pride of his great life.
God bless you.
Yours sincerely,
Joyce Amati Haug
Mechanicsburg, PA
Heiner Ryssel
November 8, 2007
Dear Bobbie and Family:
I was shocked when I learned from Reuel Liebert that Charlie died last week. Charlie wrote me an email just two weeks ago and he tried to call me several times but could not reach me. You know that he was one of my best friends, although distant, and we had not too much time in recent years. You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. He will live forever in my memory.
Jerry Adomshick
November 8, 2007
I first met Chuck in 1985 when we worked together at Varian through some rough times. We became friends during that time. I always admired his unwavering high moral standards and supreme character in the face of stress that would cause anyone else to abandon those traits. He never did..
The Church service was beautiful and reminded me of the part of Chuck's character that inspired me the most and that was the love and devotion he had for his family. I heard many of the stories that came out of that "Special Friday in July" also known by a more descriptive name, and how much it meant to him. And how much it represented the unique relationship he had with his family, a bonding process that transended all ages. He will truly be missed by all.
Barbara and I will never forget him and we send our condolances. We have many great memories of our times together with Chuck and Bobbi.
Love, Brian, Jenny, Nolan, and Liam
November 7, 2007
Colleen and Family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Chris Wernau
November 7, 2007
Colleen and family:
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Brief encounters make a lasting impression; if only we could all spend more time with him. May your memories of Charlie and the part of him that lives on in everyone he touched comfort your sorrows.
Love,
Christopher, Belinda, Andrew, Daniel, Erik and Ferris Wernau
Lalania Knowlton
November 7, 2007
Colleen and Family,
We are so saddened by your loss. We pray that comfort and peace are with you during this difficult time.
Love, Lalania, John, and James
Michael McGrath
November 7, 2007
Dear Bobbi and Family,
I am so saddened for your loss. Charlie was truly one in a million. Charlie, you and your family have always been a part of some of the most memorable times of my life. We all had some wonderful times together and I will always carry a special place in my Heart for the friendship Charlie and your family have provided me. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you at this difficult time.
Bob Brown
November 6, 2007
Chuck and I go back a long way, to IBM. When Chuck left IBM and went to Varian I was his customer. Since then we have participated in many IIT conferences. I appreciated that Chuck was never full of himself. He was, as many have said, a gentleman. He was real. I will miss him.
Bob Bullivant
November 6, 2007
How does one describe the prodigious character of a man like Chuck McKenna?
Devoted husband, father, grandfather, technologist, businessman, leader, sports enthusiast, optimist, gentle man, kind-hearted, genuine, good-natured, idealistic, ethical, loyal, high-principled, compassionate . . .
My memories of Chuck began in the latter part of 1983 when I helped to recruit him to Varian. He came to Gloucester to pursue his love of ion implantation technology and grew to become the longest tenured General Manager in the 36-year history of VSEA/Extrion.
I will forever treasure the time we had together. The scrimshaw paper weights depicting a tall ship sailing on the ocean which he gave to each Senior Staff member captured the essence: “Varian Extrion/I.I.S. 1989 – 1999 FANTASTIC VOYAGE”
Whenever I will pause to celebrate Chuck’s memory, I will feel pride and thanksgiving for having such a friend in my life.
With love to the McKenna family,
Bob Holzel
November 6, 2007
I remember what a great guy Check was, as an engineer, manager, general manager, all around technical expert, and as a friend. To say we were stunned to hear of his passing is a major understatement. Caroline and I send our condolences to Bobbi and the family
Jennifer Mostowski
November 6, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family through this terrible loss. May you find the strength and support through loved ones and friends to help you through this time. Jennifer, Jonathan & Aubrey Mostowski
Brenda and Jimmy
November 6, 2007
All of you are in our thoughts and in our prayers.
With Our Love to Everyone,
Cassie & Beth
November 6, 2007
Dear Kelly and the entire McKenna family,
Please know you are in our prayers and thoughts. We know how difficult this is for you. We are with you in spirit.
Robert Kaim
November 6, 2007
I had the privilege of working for Chuck for several years, and of interacting with him for many more after that. The implant and semiconductor equipment industries have lost a leading figure and a true gentleman! We will miss you, Chuck.
Susan Giordano
November 6, 2007
Dear Bobbi,
I want you to know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May the love of your family comfort you.
Warmest Regards,
Susan Giordano
Ronald Eddy
November 6, 2007
Bobbi and Family ... Ellen and I very sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Chuck - a big thank you. You were a great manager and an ourstanding technologist - all at the same time.
Laura Tilaro
November 6, 2007
Lisa: You and your family have our deepest sympathy. We are truly sorry for your loss. Laura, John and Owen Green
Steve Odian
November 6, 2007
To the McKenna family and Friends,
I was saddened to here the news about Chuck today. I am a long time employee of Varian and can say the best years here were when Chuck was at the helm. We was a tireless leader who led our company to great success over the years. He truly cared about people and knew everyones name. He will be greaty missed by everyone that had the privilege of knowing him.
Bob Makowiecki
November 6, 2007
Dear McKenna Family:
Please accept my sympathies and condolences. I had the privilege of working for Chuck for many years as an employee at Varian in Gloucester. He was one of those rare individuals in senior management that actually seemed to care for his employees and always seemed to have the time to speak with them. After he left Varian I would run into him occasionally at Crosby's Market in Georgetown where I live and we'd exchange small talk. The first time I saw him there I remember being amazed that he still remembered who I was even though I was just one of the many engineers that worked for him. A great man, he will be missed by all that knew him.
Debbie Cahill
November 6, 2007
Lisa and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all during your time of grief. May your wonderful memories of your Dad help you through this difficult time.
Barbara Boulay
November 6, 2007
Dear Lisa,
My deepest sympathies to you at this time of great loss.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Barbara Boulay
Cyndy Myles
November 6, 2007
My deepest sympathy. I have heard so much about your lovely family from Bonnie, Bill,& Kate. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Paul Connelly
November 6, 2007
Please accept my heart felt condolences. Chuck took me under his wing whilst at Brooks and taught me many things in the line of work. I will never forget the 6 months of 3 am conference calls to sort out global customer issues. He was as much a Gentleman as he was knowledgable. He gave direction as well as he took advise during my interaction with him, I use his example as a template for my daughters her in the England.
Regards
Paul Connelly.
Edwin J. Saeger
November 6, 2007
To the McKenna Family,
The prayers of the Saeger Family are extended to your family during this time of loss. Chuck was a man of integrity and great character. He will be missed.
Maureen and Ed Cronin
November 6, 2007
Dear McKenna Family,
We have thought of you often over the past few days and hope that you're finding comfort in the love and sympathy from family and friends.
Ryan Whiting
November 6, 2007
McKenna Family,
Please accept my heartfelt sympathies for your loss. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Janet Elizabeth Cunningham-Fleming
November 6, 2007
To my Dear Friend Kelly McKenna and Family, I griev for your devasting loss. What joy growing up with the McKenna Family at Saint Philomena's School in our sweet little one horse town of treasured youthfull memories. You are Loved.
Ken & Carolynn Stephens
November 6, 2007
Dear Bobbi and Family,
Please accept our deepest sympathy. We have so many happy memories of you and Chuck at conferences around the world. Our thoughts are with you all.
Pat and Bill Deegan-Bergmaier
November 6, 2007
Dear McKenna Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you each during this sad time that Jesus will carry you in your grief, and console your hearts with His peace. For Jesus says that Charles' love for you, his goodness and care for you each remains forever etched upon His soul, and you will see him again. In deepest sympathy.
Jim Donahue
November 5, 2007
To the Family: My deepest sympathy. Charlie and I met in the 3rd grade at St Philomena's in Lansdowne, Pa and I saw him last at the 45th reunion of the class.We were at Camp Wyomissing. He will be missed, and he'll be in my thoughts and prayers. Jim Donahue
Kristie, Ron and Wesley Griffin
November 5, 2007
Dear McKenna family,
I was shocked to hear the sad news. The world is a colder place today without Charlie McKenna. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Pete Cabrey SJU '74
November 5, 2007
My deepest sympathies to the entire McKenna family at this difficult time. A good friend to many and a great Hawk to all.
Joan and Joe Kadlec
November 5, 2007
Dear Bobbi and Family,
We were shocked and saddened to hear of Charlie's passing. We feel fortunate that we had a chance to get to know him over the last four years and spend time with him on many fun occasions. We couldn't have been happier to have our son, Joe, marry Mary and become part of the wonderful family he led. He was always welcoming and made us feel like family too. We will miss him greatly. Our love and thoughts are with all of you.
Anne (DeAngelo) Bardes
November 5, 2007
Dear Bobbi and family, I am truly sorry for your loss. I'm a former longtime Varian employee, and as other former colleagues will tell you, Chuck was awesome.
Angel Zirkle
November 5, 2007
McKenna Family,
Our deepest sympathy for you all during your time of great loss. May you find comfort in your friends and family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Doug, Angel, Ethan and Joel Zirkle
The Frutiger Family
November 5, 2007
Dear McKenna Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. We are blessed to know Colleen, Mike, Gavin and Caleb. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Patrick Pannese
November 5, 2007
Chuck was someone I looked up to and admired greatly. I can't express how sorry I am.
My deepest sympathies for your loss.
Tiffany Stone
November 5, 2007
Lisa and family,
My thoughts are with you during this sad time. So sorry to hear about your loss.
Lisa Haines
November 5, 2007
Dear Bobbie and Family,
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Chuck's death! It's so hard to even believe. He was such a great guy and wonderful family man. I truly enjoyed the years I worked for him at Varian.
He will be deeply missed my many. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family! Please take care!
With my heartfelt sympathy,
Lisa and Family
(former Varian employee)
Ron Powell
November 5, 2007
When I was Director of the Varian Research Center's programs on ion implantation, I interacted with Chuck regularly and came to appreciate his engineering and scientific skills and his humanity. I was always giving Chuck "great" new ideas for Extrion products. On one occassion Chuck thoughtfully considered my latest revolutionary proposal, and finally said that it wasn't nearly as stupid as most of my ideas. I viewed this as high praise indeed, and it remains one of my proudest moments! -- RON
Peter Vandermeulen
November 5, 2007
Chuck was a great boss to work for, a great guy with integrity and great intellect. I was lucky to work for him twice (Varian and Brooks). He will be missed by many of us.
Lamberto Raffaelli
November 5, 2007
Please accept my deepest simpathies. I worked with Chuck at Ibis in the Board of Directors.
Karen Stump
November 5, 2007
To Colleen and family: I am so sorry to hear of your loss. While I did not have the pleasure of meeting Charles, I've heard so many great stories about your family. I wish you guys the best in this very difficult time. You are in our thoughts.
Karen, Eric & Avery
Monsignor Bonner School Ministry Office
November 5, 2007
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen
Nick White
November 5, 2007
I am so sorry for the family to have lost Chuck so prematurely.
I owe Chuck a great deal for his positive and constructive work at Varian in making a bold deal with Diamond Semiconductor Group, and working together over years to make a great success of this collaboration. This was the most positive period of my career.
Many thanks, Chuck, I'll miss you.
Faye Greel
November 5, 2007
Dearest McKenna Family: My thoughts and prayers go out to you in this most difficult time. I had the honor of working for Chuck at Varian. He was the kindest, most thoughtful man to everyone around him. He will truly be missed by all that knew him.
Kathryn Nikas
November 5, 2007
Dear Family,
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Thinking of you,
Kathryn Nikas
Cole School
Cheryl Purcell
November 5, 2007
My prayers and deepest sympathy to the Family. (Former employee of VSEA)
Kevin Jones
November 5, 2007
Bobbi
Debra and I are so sorry to hear of Chuck's passing. We had a wonderful time last year with you in Marseilles and will always remember Chuck as one of the friendliest people we knew. We will miss him terribly.
Diane and Brian Quintal
November 5, 2007
To the McKenna Family ~
We are deeply saddened by your loss. Brian worked closely with Chuck at IBIS. He was a wonderful man. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.
Dennis Brewster
November 5, 2007
Dear Bobbie and Family,
I am shocked and deeply saddened to learn of Chuck's passing. I was fortunate to have worked with Chuck for many years at Varian. He was a wonderful co-worker, manager, and friend. Always a smile on his face and encouragement in his voice. He treated each of his employees with respect and kindness, regardless of their level in the organization. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this most difficult time.
Reuel Liebert
November 5, 2007
Chuck's passing is a devastating loss for all those who knew him --- his friends, colleagues and employees (past and present). I was privileged to work for him in R&D and on his Senior Staff at Varian. He was a man of great intelligence and keen insights into the complexities of our business. He combined his knowledge and intelligence with great organizational ability but, unlike many others in management positions, he always displayed a tremendous integrity and sense of loyalty in his business and personal dealings. He also showed great compassion in understanding the individual problems of those with whom he dealt and he made his business decisions accordingly. His quiet support helped many of those in distress and need get over times of crisis.
Chuck was a part of my life for so many years that it is hard to believe that he is gone. I treasure the many memories of my travels with him in Japan and elsewhere, and the numerous conversations we had in Gloucester. We had plenty of good times -- Chuck knew how to get down and relax between his sessions of hard work. I owe much of my career progress to Chuck and will be forever in his debt. I only regret that I missed the opportunity to let him know while he was alive how much I appreciated him. Most of all I treasure my memory of him as my friend.
Nicki and Dickie Ewing
November 5, 2007
Dear Megan and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow.
Alan Mikami
November 5, 2007
You are in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for your cooperation, when I worked at TEL.
Dee Vaughn, Msgr. Bonner H.S.
November 5, 2007
Dear Barbara,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
We especially remember all our deceased alums during the month of November
God Bless,
Denise Francis
November 5, 2007
Please accept my deepest sympathies. I work at Varian Semiconductor and remember Chuck as a friendly and kind person with a good sense of humor. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Alice Tierney
November 5, 2007
To The McKenna Family,
Our sympathy and thoughts are with all of you during this difficult time.
Love and prayers,
Alice, Justin and Jason Tierney
Louise Guarino
November 4, 2007
Dearest Bobbie and Family, I was shocked to hear the sad news about Charlie. I can/t imagine what you and your family are going through at this terrible time. I will never forget his warm and friendly ways and funloving spirit. May God help in comforting you along with your family and friends. My deepest sympathy to you all. Louise Guarino.
Beverly Backstrom
November 4, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I worked at Varian in the accounting dept.
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