Paul Andrew McKenna, born March 26, 1965, son of the late Robert J. and Mary Jean McKenna, husband of the late Nancy (DeResendes) McKenna, father to Kyle and Brandon McKenna and Christopher Resendes. He also leaves behind his brothers and sisters, Kelly McKenna, Margaret and Peter Enkler, Mark McKenna, Raymond and Diane McKenna, Elizabeth McKenna and Kevin McCarthy, Patricia and Kevin MacDonald. He was the loving uncle to Erika, Sean, Julie, Nick, Tristan, Ryan, Kayla, Emily, Kate, Phoebe and Joshua. He also leaves behind his son Kyle’s siblings, Nicole and Justin. He was a graduate of Rogers High School and he also attended the Community College of Rhode Island.
His favorite childhood activities all involved his parents and siblings. His greatest joy as a small child centered on his adventures with his siblings exploring Frog Pond, the Big Pond, First Beach and the Cliffs. He was the Poster Boy for the State of Rhode Island March of Dimes Campaign. Paul, as a child, tutored adults and children who needed assistance manipulating a mechanical prosthesis on behalf of the March of Dimes. He greatly enjoyed traveling with family to New York City, Halifax, Montreal, California and his epic snowboard excursions to Wyoming and Colorado.
Professionally, he was recognized as one of Aquidneck Island’s most skilled bicycle mechanics and builder of bicycles. He mentored numerous budding bicycle mechanics throughout the last three decades. He skillfully applied his crafts at Ten Speed Spokes, Island Sports, and Newport Bicycle. Paul administered an after school program on bike repairs for students at Sullivan Elementary School, and was he was the personal bike mechanic to numerous Newporters, including Senator Claiborne Pell.
He had a passion for adventure sports. Paul was free and happy when car hopping, riding mini-bikes, skateboarding, mountain biking, snowboarding and ocean kayaking with friends. Throughout his life he loved attending rock and roll concerts – slam dancing in the mosh pit with his friends, siblings, nieces and nephews and his son, Kyle. But his most precious moments were spent with family in his home, Newport. He was loved by all and will be greatly missed.
Calling hours will be held on Saturday, April 22, 2017, from 1:00-3:00pm, in the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport, with a memorial service to take place at 3:00pm in the funeral home.
Memorial donations in his memory may be made to the March of Dimes Birth Defects, Foundation of Rhode Island Chapter, 400 Reservoir Avenue, Providence, RI 02903, or to the Robert Potter League for Animals, PO Box 412, Newport, RI 02840.
