John T. McKenna, 76, died Saturday, January 30, 2016 at his Pittsgrove home of 36 years surrounded by family. He leaves his son, David McKenna and companion Carolyn Gaffney; daughter, Kimberly Trani and husband Frank Trani; companion, Judy Baillere; brother, E. Thomas McKenna; four granchildren, Matthew, Riley, Amy and Sean, and many close and dear friends. Son of Edward and Grace Thompson McKenna, John was born and raised in Woodbury Heights, NJ. His football career at Woodbury High School earned him a scholarship to Western Maryland College, where he graduated in 1962. After a year at Shell Chemical, John spent
two years in the Navy followed by 4 years of teaching at Gateway and Williamstown. In 1971, he established his own business, "Pipe Engineering" in Clayton, NJ, first selling flanges then expanding to commercial greenhouses sold nationwide. An eight and a half year survivor of prostate cancer, John spent his final years traveling, enjoying his many close friends, playing with his grandchildren, and joining a gym to stay active. Family and Friends are invited to visit from 10:00 am to 11:00 am Friday February 5th, 2016 at Smith Funeral Home 47 Main Street Mantua, NJ 08051. Service to follow at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you please donate to one of the following organizations: Sloan Kettering's Sidney Kimmel Center for Prostate Cancer Research c/o Tina Sollazzo 353 East 68th Street New York, NY 10065 or to any Prostate Cancer Research or to any Cancer Foundation close to your heart. Burial at Eglington Cemetery. Condolences may be left at www.smithfhmantua.com