James J. McKenna Jr.

James J. McKenna, Jr.

AGE: 82 • Belford

James Joseph McKenna, Jr., 82, passed away at his home surrounded by his family on Tuesday, August 30, 2016. Jim was born in Manhattan, NY to James and Dorothy (Moyland) McKenna. He attended St. John's Grammar School in the Bronx, entered the Junior Novitiate of the Christian Brothers in Barrytown, NY and completed his senior year of high school at Cardinal Hayes in the Bronx. Jim served as an Electrician's Mate with the US Navy from 1952-1956. Upon discharge, he continued to work as a licensed master electrician to put himself through Manhattan College where he studied Business Management. He had a long and successful career in the telecommunications industry.

A devoted son, husband, and father. Jim will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He was a man of few words, with a sharp wit and a big heart. Jim selflessly devoted his whole life to his wife and seven children. He created a loving home where discipline, hard work, and character were instilled with love, joy, and laughter. Known to many as "The Big Guy", he inspired good behavior and respect with his presence alone. He loved to host family and friends, always ready to cook a big pancake breakfast for all. His grandchildren will always remember their "Denna" and his inexhaustible pocketful of tootsie rolls.

Surviving are his wife, Cathleen McKenna (nee Cremin); his seven children and their spouses, Michael and Kimberly McKenna, Cathleen and Joseph McCloud, Theresa and Robert Szatmary, Erin and Charles Walton, Eileen and Brian Farrell, Mary and John Bickel, and Kevin and Deborah McKenna; and his 16 grandchildren.

Jim was preceded in death by his brother, Lt. Col. Robert McKenna.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 1, 2016 from 6-9 pm at John F. Pfleger Funeral Home, 115 Tindall Road, Middletown. Funeral services are scheduled for Friday, September 2, 2016 at 9:30 am at the funeral home. A Funeral Liturgy will be offered Friday, September 2 at 10:30 am at St. Mary's Chapel, 26 Leonardville Rd., Middletown. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Middletown.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in James's name to Alzheimer's NJ at www.alznj.org or at Attn: Development Dept., Alzheimer's New Jersey, 400 Morris Avenue, Suite 251, Denville, NJ 07834. For more information, to send condolences or for directions, please visit www.pflegerfh.com.