Obituary of Rev. Denis R. McKenna

Rev. Denis R. McKenna passed away on Saturday, September 29, 2007 at McAuley Hall Health Care Center in Watchung. Born in Southampton, England on December 6, 1918, the son of the late Thomas and Agnes McKenna, he arrived in America at the age of 7 and resided in Springfield. Father Denis attended Seton Hall Prep, Seton Hall University, and then studied theology at Immaculate Conception Seminary in Darlington, NJ. After being ordained a priest in the Archdiocese of Newark by the Most Rev. Thomas J. Walsh on May 31, 1947, his first assignment was Parochial Vicar at Our Lady of the Assumption Parish in Bayonne from 1947 to 1952. This was followed by Parochial Vicar at St. Mary of the Assumption Parish in Elizabeth from 1952 to 1972. Fr. McKenna was named Pastor of St. Leos Parish in Irvington in 1972 where he served until his retirement in 1994. Upon retirement he was named Pastor Emeritus of St. Leos. He is predeceased by his parents, Thomas and Agnes McKenna, his brother Rev. John T. McKenna, a priest of the Archdiocese of Newark, and his sister Mildred McKenna Gill. He is survived by his nephew John Gill and wife Kathleen of Bethlehem, PA, nieces Peggy Lombardi and husband Richard of Dublin, OH and Judith Williams and husband James of West Chester, PA. He is also survived by 8 great and 5 great-great nieces and nephews. The Most Rev. Peter L. Gerety will celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM on Wednesday October 3, 2007 at Mount St. Mary Academy, Chapel of the Immaculate Conception, 1645 US Highway 22W, Watchung, NJ. Interment will follow at St. Teresas Cemetery, Summit. Visiting hours will be from 3:00-5:00 and 6:00-7:30 PM Tuesday at the McAuley Hall Health Care Center, St. Catherine of Siena Chapel, 1633 US Highway 22W, Watchung. A Vigil Mass will be offered at 7:30 PM in the chapel following visitation. Arrangements are being handled by Higgins Home for Funerals, Watchung. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to McAuley Hall Health Care Center, 1633 US Highway 22W, Watchung, NJ 07069 in Father McKennas memory.