Robert William McKenna, 89, of Dunmore, passed away Sunday morning at Geisinger-CMC in Scranton, surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his wife and high school sweetheart, the former Ann Kupchak. This past August, Ann and Bob celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary.
Born June 9, 1937, in Dunmore, he was the son of the late Frank and Margaret Ferguson McKenna. He was a graduate of Dunmore High School and attended the University of Scranton, where he studied Business Administration.
In 1958, he and his best friend, Anthony Greco, enlisted in the U.S. Army. After two years of active duty in Europe, Bob remained in the Army Reserves for four additional years. Prior to retirement, Bob worked as a salesman in the food industry, including thirty years at Cooper Cheese. He was proudly known throughout the area as the “Cooper Cheese Guy.”
Bob was known for his energetic and friendly spirit. He had a gift for telling engaging, animated stories that could capture a room and bring a smile to those around him. Bob’s life’s work was sharing his faith and devoting himself to his family. He served as an altar server at St. Anthony’s in Dunmore until he graduated from high school. His faith guided the way he lived, and he found great joy in sharing it with others. Above all, Bob loved his family deeply. Affectionately known as “Bobby” to his grandchildren, he took great pride in his family, and nothing meant more to him than the time he spent with those he loved, especially during his family beach vacations each year in Stone Harbor.
Bob cherished Saturdays at his home, where family and friends gathered each week to enjoy Ann’s pancakes. These breakfast gatherings were filled with laughter, stories, and the people he loved the most.
Growing up, Bob had a passion for sports, participating in baseball, basketball, racquetball, and speed skating. He later shared his love of sports with the community, teaching children speed skating and playing an instrumental role in establishing the Biddy Basketball League in Dunmore. Bob’s love for Notre Dame was a well-known part of who he was. He rarely missed watching a game and shared his enthusiasm for Notre Dame with family and friends.
As an avid runner for most of his life, Bob could often be found running laps at the YMCA track or through the neighborhoods in Green Ridge. The YMCA was like a second home to Bob, where he formed many long-lasting friendships and was a familiar face to all. He’s known for holding court in the evenings with the wonderful friends he made there over the years.
Surviving are his son Rodney McKenna (Michelle), Lansdale, grandsons Joseph, Robert; son Dr. Scot McKenna (Kathleen), Dunmore, grandchildren Michael, Hope, Rachel; daughter Stacy McKenna-Brazil (Michael), Dunmore, grandchildren Kylie, Emily, Keenan, McKenna; daughter Alison Rothwell (Christopher), Clarks Summit, grandchildren Abigail Brown, Matthew, Ben, Rebecca; daughter Cindy Holmes (Brian), Waverly Township, grandchildren Rosey, Brady, Layla; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his siblings Betty Trubia (Joseph), John McKenna (Pauline), Eileen McKenna, Frank McKenna Jr., Lorraine Monahan (Frank); nephews Joseph Trubia Jr., and Michael Monahan.
The funeral will be held on Friday from the Carlucci-Golden-DeSantis Funeral Home, Inc., 318 E. Drinker St. in Dunmore, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am at St. Paul’s Church, 1510 Penn Ave. in Scranton.
Interment: Dunmore Cemetery.
Family and friends may pay their respects on Thursday from 4-7 pm at the funeral home.
To leave an online condolence, please visit www.NEPAfuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Ann’s Monastery and Shrine Basilica or The Greater Scranton YMCA.
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