Francis W. McKenna

Francis William McKenna, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Wednesday, January 17, 2018, one day following his 82nd birthday.

Born in Camden, NJ, in 1936 to the late Francis J. and Ada (nee Keen) McKenna, “Skip” was known from an early age as a warm and generous soul, incredibly hard worker, and one of the neatest, most organized people around. He loved to share stories of his fondest childhood memories, which included camping and hiking with his father, who was a scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts of America.

Frank’s love for the outdoors endured throughout his life and was a great source of joy and peace. He enjoyed taking his children out on his boat “The Great Escape,” hiking the trails at Parvin State Park in Pittsgrove, NJ, fishing with friends out on the deep blue sea (even though they never caught anything but seaweed), and watching the water wash over the horseshoe crabs in Fortescue, NJ.

Frank graduated from Merchantville High School in 1953, where he was known as a “swell guy,” snappy dresser and avid bookkeeper. He continued his education at Temple University, the Philadelphia Lithographic Institute and The Program for Management Development at Harvard Business School.

From his first job selling cherry Yum Yum out of a wagon at the age of 14, he worked his way up through a 30-year career in printing and sales at Duralith Corporation in Millville, NJ, becoming president in 1974. He later served as vice president of sales for Gateway Graphics in Westville, NJ. Frank was past president of the South Jersey Printing Association and served on the board of directors for both the Garden State Council of the Boy Scouts of America and The Management Institute at Rowan University.

It would be easy to attribute Frank’s business success to his financial smarts and detailed nature, but those who know him know the real reason was his keen ability to connect with people no matter where he went. He showed compassion to everyone, and as a leader took great pride in ensuring his workers had warm breakfasts and assistance in times of need. He greeted everyone with a smile and a twinkle in his eye, and always took the time to chat, whether with the waitress at his favorite diner or with the workers at the local post office. Even on his final day of life, he was showering compliments on the hospital staff.

Despite his success as a businessman, Frank’s most cherished moments were those spent with his family wearing a flannel shirt, not a business suit. He is survived by Patricia “Patsy” McKenna (nee McGrory), his beloved wife of 60 years, whom he met on the dance floor and immediately fell in love with; his kid brother Robert (Marie) McKenna of Salem, SC; and his children, William (Debbie) McKenna of Collingswood, NJ; Sheila McKenna of Williamstown, NJ; Thomas (Kim) McKenna of Newark, DE; and Heather (Douglas) Bonarrigo of Salem, NH. Frank was proud to be the loving grandfather to five grandchildren (Bill, Jason, Jillian, Austin and Colton) and one great granddaughter, Scarlett; “Uncle Skip” to five nieces and nephews (Michael, Jim, Ryan, Nathan, Katie and Christine); a grandnephew, Eddie; and a grandniece, Lindsey; and loyal companion to his feline friend, Daphne.

Frank was a devoted husband and friend and the best dad his kids could ever wish for. Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate his life during a viewing at the Bell-Hennessy Funeral Home, 420 South Main St., Williamstown, NJ from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 23rd.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary’s R.C. Church / Our Lady of Peace Parish, 32 Carroll Ave., Williamstown, NJ at 12 noon.  Interment New St. Mary’s Cemetery, Bellmawr, NJ.

Frank would be proud of donations made in his honor to the Garden State Council of the Boy Scouts of America, 693 Rancocas Rd, Westampton, NJ 08060 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Condolences and memories may be shared online @ www.bell-hennessy.com.

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