U.S. Air Force Veteran
Published September 6, 2019
WAKEFIELD — Bernard (Bernie) MacKenna, 85, was born on April 1, 1934; he passed away peacefully at Winchester Hospital on September 1, 2019.
He was the son of the late George and Jessie MacKenna and loving brother to Barbara Adams of Peabody and the late June McElroy of Peabody. Bernie was raised and educated in Lynn and was a graduate of Lynn Classical High School, Class of 1953, where he played first line center for the State Hockey Champions. After high school, he joined the USAF for four years stationed at Thule Greenland during the Korean War. After his service he worked at Polaroid Corporation, Waltham and later joined General Motors Assembly Plant in Framingham working as a welder and proud UAW member for almost 28 years.
An avid sports fan, he followed the local sports teams, Bruins, Red Sox and Patriots, enjoying their success and groaning about their losses.
On September 24, 2019, he would have been married for 59 years to his wife Regina. He was an involved, caring Dad to Kevin, Brian and Craig with many wonderful memories of their activities and later the cherished Grandfather of Caitlyn and Shayne. Family members spanned five generations and he loved the large get-togethers on July 4th, Labor Day and Christmas with many cousins, nieces, nephews and grandchildren.
Visitation for relatives and friends was held at the McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave., Wakefield on Wednesday. Memorial and interment service will be private to family.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations in his name to The Wounded Warriors Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas, 66675-8517 or Saint Jude’s, 262 Danny Thomas Pl; Memphis, TN 38105.
