Joseph (Joe) Mc Kenna

Joseph (Joe) Walter McKenna

Joseph (Joe) Walter McKenna of Brick, NJ died suddenly on Aug. 31 2015. He was 69 years old.

Born and raised in Bayonne, Joe also lived in both Argentina and Columbia as a young boy.

Bi-lingual in Spanish and a lover of History and Geography, Joe was a retired Social Studies teacher who spent more than 38 years as an educator at Bayonne High School.

A lifelong athlete and sports fanatic, Joe spent many years as a coach in both Bayonne and Jersey City - and later in life in South Orange where he raised his family.

Joe married his wife, Carol (nee Cappaze) in 1973 and lived in South Orange for nearly 40 years before moving to Brick.

He is survived by his wife Carol, son Brian, daughter Alysa, as well as four brothers Jeffrey, James, John and Jay and a sister, Judith, in addition to many beloved nieces and nephews.

Joe, always the “guys guy” leaves behind dozens of friends from various social organizations, including the Casa Columbo and American Legion in Millburn as well as the Savoia Club in South Orange.

Joe loved nothing more than good food and a great party and could often be found at the center of attention. Boisterous, charismatic and large in both stature and personality, Joe was a person who lived his life with both passion and tenacity. He did things “his way” and without apology. His spirit, quick wit, humor and big heart will be missed by all who loved him.

Funeral from the Galante Funeral Home 2800 Morris Ave Union on Thursday at 9 AM.

Funeral mass at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in S. Orange at 10:30 AM

Visitation on Wednesday from 3 to 8 PM

Interment at Hollywood Memorial Park