Robert W. McKenna
Robert W. McKenna, age 89, of Shelby, died late Saturday evening, January 11, 2020 at Primrose Retirement Community of Mansfield where he resided.
Bob was born November 12, 1930 in Pittsburgh, PA to the late William P. and Eleanor (Yahner) McKenna. He was a graduate of St. Vincent Preparatory School in Latrobe, PA prior to joining the United States Army. Bob served his country during the Korean War as part of military intelligence while stationed in Germany. He spent the majority of his career in the retail industry, working for W.T. Grant Co., managed McKenna’s Shoes in Connellsville, PA, and had a short stint with the railroad prior to returning to W.T. Grant Co. A position with Fisher’s Big Wheel moved he and his family to Shelby in 1977. After its closing, Bob worked for Hicks and Martin in Shelby and MTD Shelby Operations from where he retired.
Bob was a member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Shelby where he was a long-time cantor and member of the choir. He had also been a eucharistic minister taking communion to shut-ins. Bob was a social man who enjoyed being with people. He always had a joke, loved to travel, was quite handy, and was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan. Bob was a past board member of Richland Newhope Industries and was a member of the Korean War Veteran Association, Shelby Knights of Columbus, and Shelby American Legion.
Bob is survived by his wife, Virginia Mae (Kimmel) McKenna, whom he wed on November 10, 2007. Also surviving are 4 daughters: Roberta (Bob) Hobbs of Pittsburgh, PA, Colleen (Howard) Garis of Las Vegas, NV, Kenna McKenna (Greg Kessler) of Grove City, OH, and Megan (Mike) Brawley of Elyria, OH; a daughter-in-law: Mary Carolyn McKenna of Hendersonville, TN; 7 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; 2 sisters-in-law: Carolyn Barton of Mansfield and Marge (Vince) Orgovan of Silver Spring, MD; and other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his first wife: Evelyn (Medwith) McKenna; his second wife: Clara M. (Barton) McKenna; a son: Patrick McKenna; and siblings: William McKenna, Jr., Patricia Ague, and Anna Rita Zeller.
Family and friends are welcome on Thursday, January 16, 2020 from 4-7 pm at the Penwell Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, where a rosary will be recited at 6:45 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, January 17, 2020 at 10:30 am at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 29 West Street, Shelby celebrated by Fr. Nicholas Weibl. Military honors will be conducted by the Richland County Joint Veterans Burial Detail with burial following at the church cemetery. Memorial Contributions may be made to Richland Newhope Industries.
To share a memory or express a condolence, please visit: www.PenwellTurner.com
Roberta and family,
Our prayers and sympathy to you and your family with the passing of your wonderful father. Heaven has a new angel today. May the Lord hold you all close during this difficult time. Love you all.
Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss. During my years at New Hope I not only appreciated Bob’s dedication to the organization, I appreciated his support and positive outlook. He will be missed.
In sympathy,
Liz Prather
Thoughts and Prayers are with you and your family.
I am very sorry for your loss of your loved one, I was blessed to meet him when he visited his daughter and son-in-law in Alaska. He had a great sense of humor and fun to be around. Sending prayers for all of family…you will always hold him in your heart. Sincerely Denny and Rita
Sorry for your loss prayers and positive thoughts and energy to you and your family
Kenna and family,.
My thoughts are with you and your family and so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing.
Bob was such a wonderful friend to our family. We’re lucky to have known him, and we’ll deeply miss his humor, kindness, and generosity. Our thoughts and condolences are with his loved ones.
I loved Bob- we got to be good friends joking and story telling over the years I knew him. He was a GREAT husband to my Mom ( Ginny). They traveled a lot and always kept active. Helping out with both families. Attending many family functions. His humor was great. A TRUE AMERICAN. I will miss his smile.!!!
So sorry for the loss of Bob, to the Cyphert family and Wampler family
The Sizler’s
We will miss dad greatly he was always quit witted and had a great sense of humor. I was lucky to have him in my life. He accepted me into his loving family and for that I will be eternally grateful. Rest peacefully and God Bless. I love you dad.
Our deepest sympathy, love and prayers to the family. May Bob rest in peace.
Aunt Marge and Uncle Vince Orgovan
I truly believe God brought Bob into my grandmas life. He treated my grandma so good and cared about her so much. I appreciate how much they took care of each other. He was exactly what my grandma needed in that chapter of her life. It brings peace knowing they are together in Heaven again.
I will miss you Dad. You were one of a kind. Although we did not have a lot of time to spend together, you will always be in my heart and prayers. You were a big part of my family.