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BORN
1931
DIED
2025
FUNERAL HOME
977 S. El Camino Real
San Mateo, California
Frederic McKenna Obituary
01/05/1931 - 04/12/2025
Fred was born, the youngest of six siblings, to Robert and Dorothy McKenna and raised in Solana Beach, California. After graduating from San Dieguito High School, he served as a Navy Submariner in the Korean War. He married Marilyn, his high school sweetheart, 73 years ago. Seventy years ago, they moved to San Mateo and within a few years started a family. Fred worked at United Airlines for much of his adult life and after retiring, he worked as a private driver, a job he loved deeply. In his younger years, Fred actively participated in his children's activities and volunteered his time generously. He rode a motorcycle and belonged to a club who toured the US. He and Marilyn had many friends and enjoyed travelling the world. Fred had a beautiful tenor voice and sang in the Grace Lutheran Church Choir, at the weddings of his children and close friends and performed in several local musicals. He and Marilyn loved to dance as well.
He is survived by his wife, Marilyn McKenna and their three children Paul McKenna (Cheryl), Kathy Honnert (Steve) and Ann Croydon. He was blessed with seven grandchildren: Rachel McKenna, Nick Honnert, Lindsey Honnert, Sean McKenna, Noah Croydon, Alex Croydon and Isaac Croydon and one great grandchild Kailani Croydon.
Fred was known for his infectious laughter, his smile, his mastery of dad jokes and his kind and compassionate heart. He loved his family deeply and will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Funeral service will be held at 10:30am on Thursday, May 1, 2025 at Grace Lutheran Church in San Mateo. Interment to follow Skylawn Memorial Park in San Mateo. Reception to follow interment at the McKenna residence.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Frederic McKenna
Sponsored by Sneider & Sullivan & O’Connell’s Funeral Home and Cremation Service.
3 Entries
Keith Post
June 15, 2025
On behalf of our Board of Directors, Staff and Membership, I offer our sincere condolences to the family of shipmate and Submarine Veteran Frederic McKenna. We were just notified of his passing and apologize for our delay. We salute and thank Frederic for his years of service to his country in our nation´s submarine force during the Korea War. A copy of his obituary will be placed in the file of deceased submariners at our museum. Rest your oars good and faithful servant, we have the watch. You now have the eternal fair winds and following seas you so rightly earned during your time here on earth. God Bless you for your service and may his love and grace comfort your wife Marilyn, your three children, grand-children and great grandchild as well as all of your family and friends left behind.
STSCS(SS) Keith F. Post (USN-Ret.), Executive Director
St. Marys Submarine Museum
102 St. Marys Street West
St. Marys Georgia 31558
Jason Meyer
June 3, 2025
Sorry for your loss Marilyn. You helped me through my mother's loss, I wish I could have been there for you. Fred was a very kind soul and often funny too. Fred will be missed. Love you Marilyn.
Jason
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