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David McKenna Obituary
1962 - 2026
South Hadley
David R. McKenna, 63, passed away peacefully on January 3, 2026, in South Hadley, MA. Born on May 17, 1962, in Holyoke, MA, David was a lifelong resident of South Hadley.
David is the beloved son of Dorothy "Dottie" (Pininski) McKenna of South Hadley and the late Richard W. McKenna. He is survived by his two sisters Nancy Smith of South Hadley and Mary Meon and her husband, Bryan of South Hadley. He also leaves behind 4 nieces and nephews, along with his stepdaughter, Sara Shemanskis of CT and 2 step grandchildren.
David was a graduate of South Hadley High School and attended Johnson & Wales College, Over the years, he built a successful career as a chef, spending the last 20 years at Atkins Farm in Amherst. Prior to that, he honed his culinary skills at Mt. Holyoke College for 2 decades.
David was an avid camper who cherished trips to Maine with his late wife. He was also a true handyman at heart.
In accordance with the family's wishes, all services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Baystate Hospice.
Beers & Story South Hadley Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David McKenna
Sponsored by The Family.
Terry Violette
January 17, 2026
David was married to my cousin Lora and they made quite the team. I truly miss them both love you two
Frederick Pininski Jr
January 16, 2026
David grew up next to us on Lyman Terrace. It was many years before we reconnected - I left South Hadley right after High School. Tina and I visited him at Atkin's on one of our infrequent visits home. Aunt Dottie, you have our deepest condolences.
Brady (Todd) Schoenrock
January 15, 2026
My sincere condolences to Dave's family and friends. I have a lot of great memories working with Dave and his team at Willits/MHC. I learned a lot from Dave, many of those things I now use daily in my second career as a chef/restaurateur. Rest easy my friend - I think of you often.
Angela Hodgkins
January 15, 2026
I knew Dave from working at Atkins Farms. I worked in the bakery and would visit Dave in the deli, usually needing something or a question answered. I was always met with a smile and how can I help. Dave was always helpful and fun to speak with at work. The last time I visited Atkins I received a big hug from Dave, I will cherish that last hug and say, RIP, my friend. Very sorry to his family for their loss.
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Martha MacDonald
January 12, 2026
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Martha MacDonald
Michael and Barbara Davenport
January 12, 2026
So sorry to hear of David's passing. He's together with Lora again, the love of his life. I'll always remember growing up together and the Sunday picnics at Granpa's and later camping at Uncle Donald's in Vermont. Great memories with all the cousins. Our loving thoughts and prayers are with Auntie Dottie, Nancy, and Mary now.
Karen (Prout) LaRiviere
January 11, 2026
There are so many wonderful memories of growing up with David and all the McKennas. To Aunt Dottie, Nancy, and Mary, my heart breaks for your loss. Restful peace to you David.
John & Lynn Fortini
January 10, 2026
Work with Dave for many years at MHC. He was a good friend and loved his work. Rest in peace my friend...
Dan Kelleher
January 9, 2026
I'm sorry for your loss Mary and Bryan
Dave Toplon
January 9, 2026
I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of Dave. We both moved to Hadley Village at about the same time in 1989 and were not only neighbors but became friends. He was the eyes and ears for our area, and I used to kid him and call him the "Mayor of the 70's" as he watched over everything. When I saw him at Atkins he always steered me to "the good stuff". I'll miss him for sure.
I hope that good memories from happy times past help assuage your grief at this difficult time and pray that he can rejoice being reunited with his life love Lora.
Kate (Barry) Gadbois
January 9, 2026
Dear Mrs McKenna and Nancy
I am so sorry for David´s passing!
All my Love-
Kate (Barry)Gadbois
Lauren Levreault
January 9, 2026
Dear Dottie
I am so sorry I lost my deepest sympathies to you and your family
Carmino Santaniello
January 9, 2026
Sorry to hear about this
My friend it was nice to work somewhat together at Atkins with you
Rest in Peace...
Danny Griffin
January 9, 2026
My condolences, David was a great guy. I worked at MHC, and would always stop in to Willits to say hello. Great Chef, and an even greater guy. RIP, sincerely,Danny Griffin
Paul & Tracy Dubuc
January 9, 2026
So sorry for your loss.
Sue Landry Wilson
January 9, 2026
So sad to hear of David passing. We had many good times together in High School and beyond. Thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this sad time.
Patricia M Hurst
January 9, 2026
I met David thru my husband John many years ago & developed a rewarding friendship throughout the years. We were lucky enough to have him visit with us in the Carolinas & shared many laughs & great memories. During the past years we talked with him quite often & he shared how much he loved his family. He was a caring, compassionate, & dear friend who will be sorely missed. Our deepest condolences to his families & friends. Sending healing thoughts & prayers to all who loved him.
John and Patricia Hurst
January 8, 2026
Thank you almost 50 great years of great memories. We are already missing our Friday afternoon long distance party. We will still cheer you going forward. Rest In Peace my friend. What a long strange trip it´s been.
Bill Alderman
January 8, 2026
Rest in peace my friend so sorry to hear this. Please except my condolences.
Michelle Bakos
January 8, 2026
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
John & Eleanor Shea
January 8, 2026
Dottie - Our condolences to you and your family on the loss of your son. You are in our prayers.
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