Published April 24, 2020
MELROSE — Alfred T. McKenney, 83, formerly of Port Charlotte, Fla. and longtime resident of Melrose, passed away on Thursday, April 16, 2020 after a brief, but valiant battle with esophageal cancer.
Alfred, known to most as “Al,” “Sonny,” or “Big Al,” was born on October 2, 1936 in Melrose. He was one of three children of the late Gordon S. and Lois (Cheever) McKenney. After graduating from Melrose High School in 1955, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and proudly served his country until he was honorably discharged in 1963. He went on to earn his associates degree in business from Newbury College.
Al met his wife, Judith Matthews, at the Melrose Unitarian Universalist Church and they married in June of 1964. Together they raised their family of four children in Melrose and were married for 35 years until Judy’s passing in 2000.
Al worked in the elevator industry for many years before opening Al-Mac Surgical Supplies on Main Street in Melrose. He went on to become a public safety inspector for the Commonwealth, later a technician at Electrolux and spent his golden years in Florida with his companion, the late Terry Brennan, where he worked for the Charlotte County Public Schools as a bus monitor. He retired at the age of 80 and moved back to Massachusetts to be with his family.
He was a huge Boston sports fan, loved being around people and had a wonderful sense of humor. Always ready to lend a helping hand to a friend, Al valued his time with Melrose Youth Soccer, Mantle Club, Melrose Rotary Club, and Massachusetts Special Olympics. He was always ready on the sidelines to cheer on his kids, and years later, his grandkids. He enjoyed his time singing in the Unitarian Universalist Church choir even when he had to cover for his less talented family members.
Alfred was the beloved husband of the late Judith A. (Matthews) McKenney with whom he shared 35 years of marriage. Devoted father of Andrew T. McKenney and his girlfriend Adriene Cohn of Methuen, Alison J. Jones and her husband Jeffrey of Westford, Jennifer McKenney Smith and her husband Jason of Stoneham, Matthew G. McKenney and his girlfriend Lori Pisari of Lynn. Gentle giant, a.k.a. “Papa,” to Andrew J. McKenney, Benjamin, Alexandra and Justin Jones and Hannah Smith. Loving brother of the late Gordon McKenney and his surviving wife, Janet of Topsfield and the late Mildred Hembree. Also survived by his many nieces and nephews.
Services for Alfred will be announced in the future when all may gather to honor, remember and celebrate his life. Interment in Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett. Donations in Al’s memory may be made to the Massachusetts Special Olympics, 512 Forest St., Marlborough, MA 01752 or online at https://www.specialolympicsma.org/ For now, please offer your love and support online at RobinsonFuneralHome.com
