FRANK KENNA Jr.

1923 - 2015

KENNA, FRANK, JR. Frank Kenna, Jr., 91, beloved husband of Joan Giese Kenna for 64 years, passed away on July 30, 2015 in the Health Center of Evergreen Woods, Branford, after battling a series of illnesses. Frank, a longtime resident of Woodbridge, was the son of the late Frank Kenna, Sr. and Vertie Kenna. He was born in New Haven on December 27, 1923. Frank attended the Hopkins School in New Haven and graduated from the Choate School in Wallingford. He attended Yale University, where he was a member of the class of 1945W, and left during World War II to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps where he served in the 5th Amphibious Force seeing action in the Marshall Islands. He was honorably discharged in 1946 and continued his education at Clarkson College of Technology in Potsdam, N.Y., where he majored in mechanical engineering. Frank then went to work in his family’s businesses, The Marlin Firearms Co., a manufacturer of sporting arms, and The Marlin Co., a provider of workplace communications. He began his career as a toolmaker and progressed over the years, finally becoming President and CEO of both companies. Frank was a member of the boards of the First New Haven National Bank (now the Connecticut National Bank), The Second National Bank (now the Colonial Bank), the United Illuminating Company, and a former trustee of the Connecticut Savings Bank. He served on the examining committee of Northwestern Mutual Life in 1979 and chaired the committee in 1980. He was a founding member of the Connecticut Chapter of Ducks Unlimited and a past president of the Manufacturers Association. He was also a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization and later a member of its graduate branch, the World Presidents’ Organization. Frank was an active community volunteer. He served as campaign chairman of the United Way and was a member of the Newcomen Society. He was on the Board of Yale New Haven Hospital as well as the Rehabilitation Center of New Haven (now Easter Seals Goodwill). He was Chairman of the US Savings Bonds CT Campaign in 1996. Having great interest and zest for life, Frank was an avid golfer, hunter and skier. He was a wonderful dancer and had a great appreciation for music. Outgoing and gregarious, he enjoyed learning the interests of other people. He was a member of the New Haven Country Club, the New Haven Lawn Club, the Quinnipiac Club, the Madison Beach Club, the Hammonasset Fishing Association and the Madison Lawn Bowlers. Frank was a loving and supportive husband and father who saw and encouraged the best in everyone. He is survived by his wife, Joan, and by his daughters, Margaret A. Kenna, Cynthia K. Mullins, and Christine J. Kenna; sons, Frank Kenna III (Kimberly), H. Robert Kenna (Karen) and Matthew G. Kenna (Janet), as well as sixteen grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his siblings Roger Kenna, Anita K. Doonan, Elizabeth K. Lynch and his twin brother, Gilbert Kenna. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, August 4th at 11:00 am at the Pine Orchard Union Chapel, 25 Chapel Drive, Branford, immediately followed by a reception at the Pine Orchard Club, 2 Club Parkway, Branford. Please park at the club and walk (3 blocks) to the Chapel or a shuttle will be provided. There will be no calling hours. The burial will be private. The family wishes to thank Dr. Ronald Miller and all of the wonderful caregivers at Evergreen Woods Health Center for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Easter Seals Goodwill Industries at 432 Washington Avenue, North Haven, CT 06473, The United Way of Greater New Haven, 1370 James Street, Suite 403, New Haven, CT 06513, or Yale New Haven Hospital, PO Box 1849, New Haven, CT 06508. Arrangements by Hawley Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, Guilford, (203) 453-5790. To sign the online guestbook please visit hawleylincolnmemorial.com.