WILMINGTON — Michael Joseph McKenna, 70, passed away Sunday, June 11, 2017.
He was born Oct. 9, 1946, in Buffalo, N.Y., to William Timothy McKenna and Mildred Carey McKenna.
Michael received his B.A. in English from St. John Fisher College and a Ph.D. in Toxicology from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry.
He held numerous scientific and managerial positions in the toxicology laboratories of the Dow Chemical Company and Parke-Davis Pharmaceutical Company. After moving to Wilmington, N.C., in 1996, he was involved in research, executive management, and providing consulting services to companies and investment firms in the life sciences sector.
In addition to playing cars and trains and reading with his grandson, Mike’s passions included tennis, sailing and traveling. Above all, his devotion to his family and friends will be forever cherished.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years Mary Radell McKenna; children, Molly and Ryan McKenna; son-in-law, Jim Foti; and the light of his life, grandson, Alex Desmond Foti.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at noon, Friday, June 16, at St. Therese Catholic Church, 209 Lumina Ave., Wrightsville Beach, officiated by Father Joe Vetter. A reception will follow at the Country Club of Landfall, 800 Sunrunner Place, Wilmington.
Memorial gifts may be made to the Lower Cape Fear Hospice Foundation Endowment, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401.
Share online condolences with the family at wilmingtoncares.com.
