TAPPAN, NY – Joseph J. McKenna, 87, passed away on Monday, August, 28, 2023 with family at his side. Born in Nyack, New York on February 29, 1936 to John A. and Catharine McKenna, he was raised in Piermont, New York with his seven older siblings. After graduating from Piermont High School in 1954, he proudly served his country in the United States Navy.

Upon his return he joined the Clarkstown Police Department where served his community for over twenty years and proudly worked to start the Police Benevolent Association of Rockland County.

In 1960 he married Helene Seebach, his wife and love of his life for 63 years. They raised their three sons, John, Joseph, and Thomas and enjoyed their grandchildren and the many life-long friends they made. He went back to school to pursue his degree in history, graduating from St. Thomas Aquinas College in 1981.

In addition to his professional career as a Clarkstown Police Officer, Joe served as an active member in many volunteer activities including being an original member of the Piermont Underwater Rescue Team, the Volunteer Fire Association of Tappan for over 60 years where he was a past president, the Carl A. Schelin American Legion Post 1271, the Pearl River Elks, The Knights of Columbus, St Dominic’s Council 5343, and the Rockland County P.B.A.

One of Joe’s favorite pastimes was sharing his love of history and his country with his grandchildren. Many a story was told, and infinite memories are treasured by those who were lucky enough to learn from him.

Joseph is predeceased by his parents John and Catharine, his siblings: Conrad, Mary Catharine, John, Doris Elizabeth (O’ Neill), Anne Mercedes (Flounlacker), Ellen Patricia (Secor), and George. Joseph is also predeceased by his beloved son, John who passed away in 1997.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Helene; sons Joseph, of Grahamsville, NY, Thomas (Brigid), of Tappan, NY; daughters-in-law Rosemary, of Pearl River and Tracy, of Neversink. He is also survived by his adored grandchildren Katie, Jack, Kevin, Joseph, James, Jennifer, Brigid, Laura, and Thomas McKenna; and his brother in law, Alan Seebach as well as his many beloved nieces and nephews.

A wake will be held Thursday, August, 31 from 3:00 – 7:00 pm at Moritz Funeral Home in Tappan, New York. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, September 1, at 11:00 am at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church in Tappan, New York. Internment will be at Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill, New York.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his name to the Tappan Fire Association Welfare Fund.