Richard McKennon

Richard McKennon

Torrance, CA

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved father, Richard McKennon, who left us on June 6th at the age of 93. Surrounded by his loving family in the comfort of his own bed, Dad got his wish to peacefully pass away in his home where he had resided since 1956.

Born in New York City during the Great Depression, Dad faced a challenging upbringing and entered the foster care system as a very young toddler. He found a home with Mrs. Rose Schmidt in the Bronx until he was nine years old. Despite Mrs. Schmidt's tireless efforts, including writing to Eleanor Roosevelt for assistance, Dad was placed back into the juvenile system.

Upon graduating high school, he joined the army and was eventually sent to fight in the Korean War. Although he rarely spoke of this experience, he shared that his best friend from high school died in the conflict.

Back in the States in September 1953, Dad saw Mary Catherine Coyne for the first time and immediately knew he would marry that girl. A short time later, he managed to secure a date. On their first date, Mary mentioned her upcoming birthday and how homesick she was. Noticing a purple sweater in a store window that she liked, Dad surprised her a week later with a birthday cake and the sweater in the mess hall. Two months after Dad first saw Mom, they were married at Walter Reed.

By February 1954, both Dad and Mom were honorably discharged from the Army due to expecting their first child. Discovering that Mom belonged to a large Irish Catholic family in Venice, California, they decided to move west.

Their family grew to include Robert (Ann), Paul (Carol), Richard, Dianna, Carl (Helen), Peter, Lorraine (Roy), Kathaleen, Suzanne, and Ann Marie (Brent). Papa to 15 grandchildren and GGP to 20 great grandchildren. Dad and Mom provided a loving home.

Dad worked for McDonald Douglas, as a Trash collector for the city, and then finally going to work for Owen Roofing Company. He stayed with the company all of his adult life managing the yard and equipment for the commercial and residential jobs. Owen Roofing gave him an offer he couldn't refuse, the gift of an early retirement with a great package in 1991.

We have many cherished memories of our father, including his playful "gorilla's got us" game during car rides and his humorous antics, like pulling his finger. Our family discovered a love for camping at Bass Lake in 1970, a tradition that continues today. Dad traveled to all 50 States by trains, planes, automobiles, and ships. He was a big USC Trojan fan.

Dad is preceded in death by the love of his life, our Mom (1986), three sons, a grandson, a great granddaughter, and many extended family members.

Services will be held on June 27th at Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City. In honor of Dad, attire is casual, nice with comfortable shoes.