Obituary of John B. McKenna

John Bosco McKenna, the third of four children of Gerald and Helen (nee Gleason) McKenna, had a happy childhood (and retirement!) in Hatboro, Pennsylvania. As a student at Saint John Bosco School, John made many lifelong friends, including Joe Dunn. He grew up playing ball outside with neighbors until his mom rang the dinner bell. John, a southpaw, excelled in baseball and soccer at Archbishop Wood High School of Warminster, graduating in 1969.

John’s athleticism, talent, and grit earned him a soccer scholarship at Saint Joseph’s College (now University) in Philadelphia, where he majored in Business. After graduation, he worked as a construction supervisor and sold John Deere construction equipment, which led him to Lawrence, Kansas, in the 1970s. After returning to Pa., he worked in sales and for the United States Postal Service, then pursued his Master’s degree in Pastoral Counseling at LaSalle University where he met his former wife, Karen (Smith). They lived in Dresher with children Kyle and Kerri-Allyson, where John balanced the demands of the role of stepdad with openness, generosity and grace. They shared wonderful adventures in travel and simple daily memories that brought deep connection and meaning to their lives.

In the late 1990s, John got into the insurance business, which ultimately led to ownership of Levick Multiservices, a full-service agency in Lawndale, where he met his colleague turned dear friend and business partner, Mayra Rivas. He loved serving the local community and was always approachable and kind to his customers. He continued to travel with family and friends, and generously cared for his parents until their deaths.

With homes in Reeds Beach, New Jersey; Fulmor Heights, Hatboro; and Sarasota, Florida, John’s priority was spending quality time with his loved ones. While reserved and thoughtful, he shared his sense of humor and smile with ease. He was a longtime hunter and fisherman, teaming up with his buddy Jim Murray. He loved being outside and on the water, playing golf, making Celtic music with his brother Dennis, going for long walks, taking care of his fish, and cheering on the Phillies. He appreciated a good book, a cold pint, and most of all, a quality conversation. John had a way of being present with people that honored the togetherness, which created opportunities to relax and share meaningful human connection. He felt and expressed emotions honestly, which allowed others to freely do the same. John had a way of accepting life on life’s terms, which has been an inspiration, even during his recent illness.

John was preceded in death by his nephew Daniel McKenna (2023), and is survived byhis sister Mary Ellen McKenna, RSM, of Chulucanas, Peru; brother Gerald Patrick “Pat” (Rosann) McKenna Jr. of Sarasota, and their daughter Briege (Chris) Hartman and grandson, Colin, also of Sarasota; youngest brother Dennis McKenna of Hatboro; stepson Kyle Waldowski of Eagleville; stepdaughter Kerri-Allyson (Jacob) Reeves of Ambler; and his six grandchildren, Jaxon, Juliet, Ava, Alena, Ryder, and Jane, whom he loved dearly and cheered on enthusiastically with pride.

Extended family and friends may greet John's family 9:30 am Tuesday May 13th, 2025 at Louis Swift Plunkett Funeral Home 529 N. York Rd. Hatboro where Words of Remembrance will be shared from 11:00 am to 11:30 am. Interment will be held privately at a later date.