John William McKenna, 61, of Manchester NH, passed away from lung cancer surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.

He was born on August 3, 1964, in Lowell MA to Richard W. McKenna and Nancy (Ward) McKenna Kingston.

John married Karen Ann O’Neill in 2015, and they recently celebrated their 10-year anniversary in November 2025.

John dedicated his professional life to innovation; he graduated from the Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston MA and worked as a Project Engineer in R&D at the Kalwall Corporation in Manchester for past 24 years.

John will be remembered for his brilliant engineering mind, his steady and comforting presence, and his deep, unwavering love for his family. He approached life with an unmatched curiosity. He was always the first to embrace the newest gadgets, with his absolute last favorite piece of tech being his trusty robot lawnmower. He had an ingenious mind that was captivated by the cosmos, frequently following the latest breakthroughs from NASA and SpaceX.

Yet, for all his love of innovation, he knew exactly how to slow down. He loved nothing better than a relaxing day soaking up the sun at the lake or the beach, best enjoyed with a fine bourbon in one hand and a premium cigar in the other.

Above all, he was a man who lived to help others. He was famously known as the unofficial assistant to the Social Director of the Club Canadian, and he was always the first person to volunteer and lend a hand whenever someone needed it. His generosity and community spirit touched everyone who knew him.

His legacy of kindness, laughter, and ingenuity will live on. He also leaves behind his two devoted pups, Chewy and Roly, who brought him so much joy and who will miss him terribly. He will be deeply missed by his family, his friends, and all the lives he brightened along the way.

John is survived by his devoted wife Karen O'Neill of 10-years; his sister Jacqueline McKenna of Epsom; his brother Thomas J. Kingston and his wife Andrea M. Kingston of Nottingham; his sister Catherine Kingston and her partner Garrett Stumb of Nottingham; brother-in-law Michael C. Walker of Winchester; along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

John was preceded in death by his father Richard W. McKenna, and stepfather Thomas H. Kingston, and his sister Mary R. (Kingston) Walker.

A celebration of life will be held at Club Canadian – 128 South Main Street, Manchester NH, on Sunday, May 31, 2026, from 3pm-7pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Granite State Dog Recovery (GSDR) in Hooksett, New Hampshire: https://www.granitestatedogrecovery.com/