Charles P. McKenna

Charles P. McKenna, 83, of New Bedford died suddenly after a long illness on October 6, 2026.

He was a dedicated member of Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in New Bedford, where he found so much love and support. He was also a member of Little Marion Golf Club, where he enjoyed playing golf with his friends for as long as he could. Charlie, aka "Bubba", "Uncle Chooch", and "Mac," worked for 37 years at the Standard-Times as a pressman/ assistant foreman. He proudly served his country for four years in the U.S. Air Force.

Charlie was a friend of Bill W., with over 48 years of sobriety, and he was a great friend and inspiration to many over the years in the program, always extending the hand of fellowship to newcomers who needed the quiet, steady support he offered. Charlie loved life, his family, and so many dear friends. He loved his Irish heritage, evidenced by the eternal sparkle in his beautiful blue eyes.

Most of all he loved his "Bride," Kathleen McKenna. There was no Charlie without Kathi; they went everywhere together. They had a special fondness for spending a week in Provincetown every August for 33 years. This was their small piece of heaven on earth, spending time on Herring Cove, where they got engaged, and walking Commercial Street taking in the wonderful atmosphere. Charlie never failed to give credit to Kathi for the care he was given and their love for each other was a testament to how deep their commitment was. Their relationship was an example to everyone of how to love well and treat each other with kindness and respect.

Charlie loved Christmas, and every year would put up a big display that sometimes spanned several rooms. He was very proud of the Christmas villages he created, and his family loved to watch his enthusiasm and glee as he worked on different ways to set them up for full effect. Christmas will not be the same without Bubba's love and passion for the season. Charlie also had a great time playing Keno and could be found most days during the summer sitting on his deck or lazing in the pool with his bride.

Charles Patrick McKenna was the son of the late John J. McKenna and Veronica (Lyons) McKenna. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen "The Bride" McKenna; his son, Sean McKenna and his wife Jaime of Fairhaven; his sister, Elizabeth LaJoie of New Bedford; his stepchildren, who he considered his own, including Rev. Karen LeBlanc and her husband Torrey of Fairhaven, Richard F. Lynch of New Bedford, Erin-Bridget Daylor and her husband Shawn of Lakeville, Katie (the Princess) Lynch-Silva and her husband Jay of Westport, and Patrick T. Lynch of Shrewsbury; as well as his beloved Yorkie "grand-dog", Chiquito, who loved to sit at his feet.

He was the proud grandfather of Connor McKenna of Fairhaven, Owen McKenna of New Bedford, Molly McKenna of Dartmouth, Lindsay Morgan of Florida, Kailyn McKenna of Fairhaven, Ian McGowen of New Bedford, Gwendolyn Baptista of Brooklyn, NY, Rowan Baptista of Lakeville, and Paige and Caiden Lynch of Norfolk, MA. He was also a very proud great grandfather to Kadence, Kendall, Emersyn, and Amelia. He was uncle to Suzanne DaCosta, Michael LaJoie, Stephen Lajoie, Timothy McKenna, Thomas McKenna, Kevin McKenna, Christopher McKenna, and Scott Golen, as well as several great nieces and nephews. He also leaves special family friend, Father Michael Racine.

His son, Mark McKenna, his grandson Dylan McGowen, his nephew J.D. McKenna, his former wife Charlotte McKenna, his sister Ann Golen, and his brother John J. McKenna Jr. predeceased him.

Charlie was deeply loved by so many people and will be remembered with happiness by everyone and anyone who met him. His patience, generosity of spirit, and compassion were a testament to the wonderful human he was. He will be missed very much.

HIs Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday October 13th at 11 AM at Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 121 Mt. Pleasant St., New Bedford. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Monday October 12th from 4-8 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made directly to the family to defray funeral expenses or to Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in New Bedford, where he and Kathi found such peace and community.