Thomas J. Mckenna

Thomas J. McKenna, 54, of North Main St. Fall River, died Sunday, March 4, 2007 at home after battling brain cancer. A lifelong resident of Fall River, he was the son of the late James H. and Mary (Geary) McKenna. For 32 years, Mr. McKenna was employed as a civil engineer for the Bridge Inspection Unit of the Massachusetts Highway Dept., working from the Taunton, Danvers and Middleboro District offices. He was a member of the Massachusetts Organization of State Engineers and Scientists. A member of St. Joseph Parish, Fall River, he also was a graduate of the St. Joseph School. He was a graduate of B.M.C. Durfee High School, Fall River, class of 1971. A graduate of Bristol Community College, he received a degree in civil engineering and continued studies at S.M.U. Dartmouth. His hobbies included golfing, skiing and traveling. He especially enjoyed spending time at his cabin in New Hampshire. As an avid Red Sox fan, he relished witnessing his favorite team win the World Series in 2004. Mr. McKenna also loved collecting baseball cards, a hobby which he shared with his nieces and nephews. He is survived by his lifelong friend and caretaker, John Douglas of Somerset; 4 brothers, James F. McKenna of Worcester, Michael G. McKenna of Jamaica Plain; Patrick D. McKenna of Swansea and Major John F. McKenna, US Army of Attleboro; Nieces and nephews, Todd and Kyle McKenna, of Little Compton, Kaitlyn McKenna of Somerset, Mitchell and Alec Cabral, of Swansea, Colleen and Owen McKenna, of Attleboro; An aunt, Muriel "Peachy" Bates of Fall River. And numerous cousins. Following cremation, a funeral mass will be held Monday, March 12 at 11 AM in St. Joseph Church, N. Main St. Fall River. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care, 502 Bedford St. Fall River, MA 02720.