Donor Spotlight: Honoring the Life and Legacy of Deacon Jack McKenna

In honoring the life and legacy of Deacon Jack McKenna, the McKenna family requested that, in

lieu of flowers, donations be made to Tomorrow’s Hope Foundation. The response was and continues to be overwhelming and deeply moving, a powerful testament to how many lives Deacon Jack touched and how profoundly he was loved. Through this outpouring of generosity, his legacy of faith, service, and commitment to Catholic education will continue to bring hope and opportunity to students and families in need.

Deacon Jack McKenna passed away on December 20, 2025. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and servant of the Church, he lived a life rooted in faith, family, and service. Widely known and deeply respected throughout the Long Island community, Deacon Jack touched countless lives through his ministry at St. Joseph’s Church in Garden City and at many parishes across the region.

He was the beloved husband of 47 years to his wife, Maria McKenna, and a proud father to John (Kristin), Catherine Quinn (Sean), and Suzanne Fischetti (Mike), as well as a cherished grandfather to Anna, Johnny, Madeline, Eleanor, Sean, Caroline, Claire, and Michael. Ordained to the diaconate on May 18, 2002, Deacon Jack faithfully served for 23 years at St. Joseph’s, where his humility, compassion, and gentle wisdom left a lasting impact.

Deacon Jack celebrated countless baptisms, marriages, and wakes, taught in the CCD program, and guided young couples through Baptism Preparation and Pre-Cana programs, sharing in both the joys and sorrows of parish life. Above all else, he will be remembered for his strong faith, deep devotion to his family, and the kindness and steadiness with which he served.