George Stephen McKenna

George Stephen McKenna, 80, beloved husband of Rita (nee Martin) McKenna, of West Hartford, died Saturday, March 16, 2013, at St. Francis Hospital with his family by his side. Born in Springfield, MA, the son of the late Dr. Paul and Catherine (McCormick) McKenna, he was raised in Longmeadow, MA and graduated from Wilbraham Academy in 1950. George received his Bachelor’s Degree from Georgetown University Class of 1954, where he was a member of both the varsity swimming and football teams. He then attended Georgetown Law School. He began his insurance career in Hartford with Travelers Insurance in the underwriter training program. He then moved to New York City and became the lead Surety Underwriter for Travelers Corporation of New York. In 1962 he moved to West Hartford and founded his own private insurance brokerage firm, George S. McKenna Associates, which he operated until his death. George was very active in West Hartford youth sports. He especially loved his time coaching his four sons in the baseball, basketball and football programs over a span of 15 years. He was a member of Wampanoag Country Club, a member of the West Hartford Parking Authority and President of the Kiwanis Club. Besides his cherished wife of 50 years, he is survived by his five children and their spouses, George McKenna, Jr. and his wife Jean of Ridgewood, NJ, Mary Stockdale and her husband Stewart of Darien, CT, Dr. Gregory McKenna and his wife Dr. Dorothy McKenna of Brookfield, CT, Peter McKenna and his wife Kristen of London, England, Michael McKenna and his wife Ellen of Ridgewood, NJ; 19 grandchildren, George McKenna, III, Leigh and Mary McKenna, Stewart Stockdale, Jr., Austen, Jack, Harrison, Ashley, and Victoria Stockdale, Gregory McKenna, Jr., Meryl and Shaun McKenna, Jacqueline McKenna, Peter, Jr., Christina and Meredith McKenna, Brooke McKenna, Courtney and Michael McKenna, Jr. Additionally, George is survived by his four siblings, all of whom he remained close with throughout his life: Dr. Paul McKenna and his wife Nancy, Catherine Wooters and her husband Dukes, Dr. David McKenna and his wife Barbara, Dr. John McKenna and his wife Nancy Jo and many nieces and nephews. George will forever be lovingly remembered for his outgoing personality, generosity and warmth. Known as “Papa” to his treasured grandchildren, he adored spending time with them and attending all of their activities. Family and friends are invited to celebrate his life at a funeral mass on Friday, March 22, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Peter Claver Church, 47 Pleasant St. West Hartford, with a reception to follow. Calling hours will be Thursday, March 21 from 4-8 p.m. at the Molloy Funeral Home, 906 Farmington Ave., West Hartford. Interment is private at his family plot in Holyoke, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the Saint Francis Hospital Oncology Department: www.saintfrancisdonor.com.