OLD TOWN – Robert L. McKenney, 91, passed in the comfort of his home Sept. 13, 2013. “To those who knew my dad, the following is in his own words, and, as you know, he loved to talk. Love ya Dad!”- daughter, Connie Donovan.
“I was born Dec. 16, 1921, in Columbia, the only child of Harry and Gladys (Smith) McKenney. I attended schools in Columbia and Columbia Falls and graduated from Columbia Falls High School. I also attended Wentworth Intitute, Boston, The Maine School of Commerce, and the University of Maine. I married Mary Louise Merritt in Addison on Sept. 27, 1942. I was working at the South Portland Shipbuilding Co., on Liberty Ships. I served in the military in the airborne engineers and was selected by the army to attend a program at the University of Maine and completed two years in the Mechanical Engineer’s Army Special Training. This program was cancelled in the spring before DDay. Infantry divisions were filled for the invasion of Europe. I was in General Patton’s third army, the Battle of the Bulge, and the rescue of the 101st Airborne Division in Bastogne. I was discharged from the army on Dec. 2, 1945. I joined the State Police in January of 1947. I served as troop commander for years at the Thomaston Barracks. I retired as Captain of the traffic division. I served as Chief of Police for both Orono and Old Town as well as security chief at the Bangor Mall. I enjoyed trips to Florida with my wife and her sister, Pat.”- Robert McKenny.
“My grandfather was an incredible man who made an impact on many people’s lives. I don’t have the words for how much I will miss him…RIP Pepe, your kindness and generosity is the legacy I will measure myself by.” – Brendan H. Donovan.
Robert L. McKenney
