June 27, 1946 ~ Dec. 3, 2024
Framingham – Michael “Mike” McKenna, 78, of Marlborough, formerly of Richmond, Virginia and Cleveland, Ohio, passed away unexpectedly after a short illness at the Metrowest Medical Center in Framingham on December 3, 2024.
Mike was born on June 27, 1946, in Everett, MA, the oldest of four children to Eugene and Bette (Cook) McKenna. He was raised in Michigan and Ohio. Mike is survived by two brothers and a sister; brother Donald McKenna of Brooksville, FL, sister Carol Stebbins and her husband Vin of The Villages, FL, and brother Jim McKenna and his wife Elaine of Marlborough. In addition, he is survived by two daughters, Cindy Galvin and Jean Nugent of Fort Pierce, FL.
Michael’s multifaceted 45-year career, primarily in the defense industry, took him to six continents. His aerospace consulting work involved the development and construction of numerous military aircraft. He was especially proud of his service in the US Army, as a member of the Defense Intelligence Service in Hays, Kansas. In addition, he also worked for BF Goodrich for 15 years and was the chief executive officer of his own consulting firm in Richmond, VA, providing support to the U.S. Department of Defense for over 20 years.
In 2018, Michael suffered a stroke which took away his livelihood, but did not dampen his enthusiasm for life or his positive mental attitude. His family will miss his cheery demeanor, which despite his ailments, was inspirational. The family is especially grateful to the staff at New Horizons Assisted Living in Marlborough and the Oak Knoll Healthcare Center in Framingham for their excellent compassion and care in keeping Mike healthy and happy.
Services will be held at a later date at the Cape Cod National Military Cemetery. Slattery Funeral Home in Marlborough is assisting with the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the Wounded Warrior Project online at support.woundedwarrior.org or alternatively to your own personal favorite charity.
