Brian McKenney
"Decorated Navy Seabee, Vietnam Veteran"
CHELMSFORD Brian McKenney, 66, of Chelmsford, passed away unexpectedly, Tuesday, February 21, 2012, at his home. He was a son of the late Hugh E. and the late Blanche E. (Lavallee) McKenney.
Born September 4, 1945, in Lowell, he was educated in the Lowell School System, graduating from Lowell High School, Class of 1963. He was a gifted athlete in his youth, having been scouted by the Boston Red Sox at the age of twelve.
Mr. McKenney enlisted with the United States Navy in 1967, and in 1968 while serving in Vietnam, saw action in the Tet Offensive. As a member of the U.S. Navy Seabees, he was stationed at Camp Carroll during this time. While serving two years with the Seabees, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with FMF Combat Insignia, three Bronze Stars, the Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon, the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Vietnam Campaign Medal with 1960 Device, the Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation Ribbon Bar and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross With Palm.
Brian made his longtime home in Lowell, and was a communicant of St. Rita’s Church and was deeply devoted to the Blessed Mother and the Daily Rosary.
Mr. McKenney started working with New England Telephone and Telegraph in 1963, known now as Verizon, and retired after over forty six years of service throughout the New England Area. He was a member of The Telephone Pioneers since his retirement in 2009, and was a friend of Bill W. for the past twenty nine years.
He is survived by his brother, Joseph E. McKenney of Lowell; his sister in law, Janet McKenney of Nashua, NH; and many nieces and nephews including Lisa DiBurro and her husband, Jim, of Haverhill. He is also survived by many grand nieces and grand nephews as well as many cousins and friends.
He was a brother of the late Hugh E. McKenney Jr., and the late James G. McKenney.
YOU ARE INVITED TO HIS CALLING HOURS 4 UNTIL 8 P.M. ON FRIDAY, FEB. 24. ON SATURDAY, HIS FUNERAL WILL BEGIN AT 8 A.M. AT THE MCDONOUGH FUNERAL HOME, 14 HIGHLAND STREET, LOWELL (978 OR 800) 458-6816. HIS FUNERAL MASS WILL BE OFFERED AT ST. RITA’S CHURCH AT 9 A.M.. BURIAL IN ST. MARY CEMETERY. E-CONDOLENCE SITE WWW.MCDONOUGHFUNERALHOME.COM
