Obituary of Thomas W McKenna

Thomas W. McKenna, 66, of Grahamsville, passed away at home on January 10, 2022 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.  He was cared for his wife and son, Gregson, during his illness and surrounded by them at his death. 

Tom was born on June 10, 1955 to the late John and Catherine O’Toole McKenna.  He retired from the antique business which he learned from his parents at a very early age.  A man of many skills, he held many jobs, including plowing snow for the Neversink Highway Department.  He was co-owner of Miller Tree Service in White Sulphur Springs, NY, a master antique collector and dealer, and he helped to complete many projects in his local community.  

Tom is noted for always being there to lend a hand for whomever needed it. He was a member of the Grahamsville Fire Department, Elks Club, and current member of the Lyons Club. He loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and woodsman.  He recently purchased his dream cabin on Denman Mountain Road in Grahamsville. He sailed the open seas and traveled to many beautiful countries. He especially loved fishing on the St. Lawrence.  He was an avid NASCAR fan with Dale Earnhardt, Sr. being his man.  He loved treasure hunting for antiques no matter where he was.  

Tom is survived by his son, Gregson J. McKenna; his loving wife, Cynthia S. McKenna; a brother, John D. McKenna and his wife June; a nephew, Grant McKenna II of Darlington; two nieces, Meredith McKenna Smith and her husband Kurt of Napanoch, and Shannon McKenna Schmidt and her husband Brian of Hoboken, NJ; a great-niece Morgan Guerierre and her husband Tyler; a great-nephew Gary Quick; and great-great-nephew, Atlas Guerierre who made him smile. He leaves behind a large group of special friends, family, and antique dealers who are grateful for the memories they made with him; his faithful dog, Bruiser, who was his shotgun rider for a million miles; and his new pup, Jack (Happy Jack) who sorely misses him. He will be deeply and sadly missed by them all.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Hospice for holding Cindy’s hand, and to Julie Starner for being an angel, for teaching, helping, and supporting Cindy and Gregson during a difficult time.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Tom’s memory may be made to the food pantry at the Grahamsville United Methodist Church, PO Box 86, Grahamsville, NY 12740 or visit www.GrahamsvilleUMC.org.

A celebration of Tom’s life will be held on Saturday, January 22, 2022 at 11:00 am at the Grahamsville Reformed Church, State Route 55, Grahamsville.  Social distancing guidelines will be in effect; masks must be worn at all times.

Arrangements are under the care of Colonial Memorial Funeral Home, 396 State Route 52, Woodbourne, NY. For additional information, contact the funeral home at 845-434-7363 or visit www.colonialfamilyfuneralhomes.com.