Obituary of John T. McKenna

ILION – John T. McKenna, age 91, formerly of Ilion, passed away unexpectedly, on Sunday, July 4, 2021, at his home, in Suwanee, GA. Born in Ilion NY, Jack graduated from the Annunciation School in Ilion and Ilion High School class of 1947. Jack was a stand-out basketball player serving as team captain his senior year. He enjoyed watching High School and College basketball through his life and was an avid fan of Syracuse U. basketball. After high school, Jack continued his education at MVCC. Majoring in marketing and minoring in fast-pitch softball, Jack had a great time until he was drafted into the military. The Korean conflict was underway and he was given the choice of services in which he could enlist. He joined the US Navy and served 4 years, most of it on the Aircraft Carrier escort Kula Gulf. His Navy cruises were in the Mediterranean where Jack was able to visit many gulf countries and experience a variety of cultures. While at their home base in Virginia Beach, VA, Jack met his future wife, Nira. After his enlistment ended, Jack returned to Ilion with Nira where they married and started a family. He joined Oneida National Bank as a teller. He worked his way up the ranks within Oneida National bank starting with general bank management and moving eventually into business lending. While serving his bank customers, Jack served the community in the Knights of Columbus, Kiwanas Club, United Way, Chamber of Commerce and county development corporations. He was especially proud of his participation in the American Cancer Society. Though several mergers, Jack continued to serve his business customers in New York State before retiring as an Executive Vice President of Bank of America. He had a busy career but found time to take his family on vacations to Nira’s family in the mountains of West Virginia, lakes in the Adirondacks and trips to New England and Maine. In spite of a demanding career, his zest for life and energy enabled him to maintain a healthy balance between work and family. Jack enjoyed his retirement years. After retiring from Bank of America, Jack and Nira moved to Panama City Beach FL where they lived for several years. Jack’s retirement allowed him to spend more time with his family. He especially enjoyed time with his grand and great grandchildren. After several years they moved to the Atlanta GA area, near his sons, Jim and John and lived there until his death. Jack, as he was known to family and friends, is survived by his sister Joann Joy and children, Jim McKenna, Kevin McKenna, Suzanne Gerling, John McKenna and Sharon McGuire. Grandchildren: Heather Sides, Jim McKenna, Christine Goux, Kevin McKenna, Megan McKenna, Jason Gerling, Nicholas Gerling, Ryan Gerling, Johnny McKenna, Katelynn McGuire, Caroline Sorriento and John Patrick McGuire, great grandchildren include Riley and Jakob Sides, Jackson, Brantley and Sullivan Goux, Andrew and Nolan McKenna, Nathan Skinner, Parker Gerling. Jack was predeceased by his parents James J McKenna and Julia C McKenna of Ilion, brother Edward McKenna, sister Mary Greenfield as well as his beloved wife Nira McKenna. Calling hours will be held Monday, July 12, 2021, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., at the Applegate-Day & Enea Family Funeral Home’s larger location, at 4309 Acme Rd. (Old Main St.), Ilion (Town of Frankfort). Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, July 13, 2021, at the Church of the Annunciation, Ilion, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Father Paul Catena, Pastor. Burial will be in Armory Hill Cemetery, Ilion. Anyone wishing to share a memory of John, or add to his online memorial, may go to www.applegateandday.com. John’s service arrangements and supervision are entrusted to his Family Funeral Director and friend, Don Applegate.