Rev. John J. McKenna, 97, the retired pastor of St. Joan of Arc Church, in Sloatsburg, NY died peacefully at St. John Vianney Priest's Residence on September 21, 2019 surrounded by family members.

He is survived by his sister, Ann McCluskey, eight nephews, two nieces and numerous grand nieces and nephews, many of whom were married and/or baptized by Father John.   In addition to his parents, Father John was predeceased by his sister Rosemarie (McKenna) Smith and his brothers James and Thomas McKenna.

He was born in New York City to parents Ann (Benson) & John J. McKenna. All his grandparents were Irish immigrants.   Father John grew up in Sacred Heart Parish in the Highbridge section of the Bronx.  After graduating Cathedral College in Manhattan, class of 1941, Father John continued his education at St. Joseph's Seminary, Dunwoodie in preparation for the priesthood.  He was ordained in the archdiocese of New York on March 1, 1947 to the great joy of his parents and relatives.  He also earned a Master's Degree in Education from Fordham University in 1953.

During his priesthood, Father John also served at St. Joseph in Yonkers, NY; St. Margaret Mary Church in the Bronx, NY; St. Mary of the Assumption and Our Lady Star of the Sea in Staten Island, NY; and as pastor, St. Joan of Arc in Sloatsburg, NY.   Father John also taught Social Studies at Cardinal Hayes High School in the Bronx.

Father John was invited to meet Pope John Paul II in Rome in honor of his 45th Ordination to the Sacred Priesthood in 1992.  His 50th golden anniversary was celebrated by Cardinal John O'Connor at St. Patrick's Cathedral in 1997.

Father John was a joy filled man who enjoyed his life as a priest in service to the Church and his parishioners, family, relatives and friends. 

Father John's life will be celebrated at a wake on Wednesday, September 25th 2019 from 9:00 to 11:00 am at the O'Connor Residence Chapel, 5655 Arlington Avenue in Riverdale, Bronx, New York..

His Funeral Mass will be celebrated immediately afterwards at the same location.  Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Queens. 

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made in Rev. John McKenna's name to: The Archdiocese of New York.   Please see the web site: archny.org/ways-to-give for the various options to make a donation.The Reverend John McKenna.