Richard McKenna

Mr. Richard Philip McKenna, 79, of Frederick and formerly of Gaithersburg, died Friday, April 22, 2005, at Citizen's Nursing Home, Frederick.

Born in Newark, N.J.. on Sept. 10, 1925, he was the son of the late Philip J. and Helen Feldkamp McKenna.

Mr. McKenna was a technical writer with a research and development company for most of his career. He was also an artist, physicist, author and inventor. Mr. McKenna used his artisan and scientific skills in the film industry. He painted the background setting on the film, "2001 Space Odyssey." Mr. McKenna was an accomplished author. As an inventor, he had many of his works patented.

Surviving family members are his three children, Richard Eric McKenna of Seattle, Wash., Michele A. McKenna of Clarksburg, and Deirdre McKenna of Kent Island, Md.; three grandchildren, Michael and Laura Barbour and Jake McKenna; and two sisters, Dorothy McKenna and Pat Zidjunas, both of Miami, Fla. He will also be remembered by his former wife, Alex Roth.

Mr. McKenna was preceded in death by a sister, Betty Mathias.

There will be no calling at the funeral home.

Funeral services and interment will be private.

Keeney and Basford Funeral Home, Frederick, are handling the arrangements.