Kevin McKenna, 66, of Norwell: A Life Full of Love, Craftsmanship, and Community

Kevin McKenna of Norwell passed away peacefully on December 7, 2024, at age 66, surrounded by his family. Born on March 28, 1958, Kevin was the son of the late Carol (Martell) McKenna and George McKenna. His life was a rich blend of love, hard work, and a deep commitment to the people and places that mattered most to him.

Kevin is survived by his devoted wife of 24 years, Kristen (Maloney), and their sons, Alex and Nolan McKenna of Norwell. He grew up in Weymouth on River Street, where he formed lifelong friendships. A Weymouth North High School graduate, he was a standout wrestler in the 140-pound weight class. Kevin built a reputation as one of the fiercest competitors on the mat, regularly squaring off with his friend and rival Steve DeGiso in the state and New England championships. The camaraderie forged through these battles extended beyond wrestling; their "band of brothers" stayed connected for decades, reliving memories of matches, mischief, and friendships.

After high school, Kevin attended Louisiana State University, where he continued his wrestling journey. He shared unforgettable adventures with his teammates, forming close connections and getting in the good kind of trouble. His love for the sport continued throughout his life. He coached young athletes at gyms across the South Shore, sharing not just techniques but also life lessons about perseverance and sportsmanship.

In 1996, Kevin's life took a pivotal turn when he met Kristen Maloney at the old Barnside Tavern in Hanover. It was love at first sight, and four years later, they danced to U2's "With or Without You" at their wedding. That song became a touchstone for their enduring partnership, built on laughter, shared meals, and mutual devotion to their family.

In Norwell, Kevin was more than a resident—he was a fixture in the community. He and Kristen ran the "McKenna Snack Shack" at Woodworth baseball fields for years, even after their sons outgrew Little League. Kevin manned the grill, fixed broken equipment, and did whatever Kristen told him to do. From April to August, the McKennas fed half the town's children dinner at least once a week, and Kevin loved seeing the kids play ball, relishing the chance to create a sense of small-town connection.

Kevin's commitment to Norwell extended beyond the ballfields. Each December, he could be found on the Norwell Town Common, stringing Christmas lights and decorating trees to bring the holiday spirit to life. His handiwork lit up the town, literally and figuratively, as he worked alongside neighbors to make the season brighter.

A third-generation finish carpenter, Kevin inherited his skills from his father and grandfather. Known as "the guy who can build anything," he took immense pride in his craft, working on homes across the South Shore and creating custom cabinetry and built-ins that showcased his meticulous attention to detail. Kevin also poured his talents into his own home, building an open-concept kitchen and a crib for his sons out of tiger-eye maple. He once crafted a wooden wheelbarrow as a teaching project, passing his love for woodworking to his sons.

Kevin's passions extended to the outdoors. He loved fishing with his boys and cruising the North River in his Boston Whaler. Summers often found him on Washburn Island on Cape Cod, snapping photos of dramatic storms or catching striped bass and flounder. At home, he cared for two cats and four ducks. When his older son enlisted in the Navy, Kevin thoughtfully gifted a kitten to his younger son, Nolan, to keep him company.

Kevin's pride in his family was evident in everything he did. He supported his sons' passions, from Alex's wrestling and soccer career to Nolan's success as the goalkeeper and captain of the Norwell varsity soccer team. In 2023, Nolan led the Clippers to a state championship, with Kevin cheering from the sidelines, always ready with a joke or a lively debate with referees.

One of Kevin's favorite memories was his last trip with Alex to Florida for the Daytona 500. It was there that Alex discovered his father's hidden talent as a pool shark, watching in amazement as Kevin "ran the tables" all night.

Music brought Kevin joy, whether he was singing along to Aerosmith, The Who, or Johnny Cash. Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the USA" was a personal favorite, and by all accounts, he belted it out with gusto.

Kevin's warmth and humor were unforgettable. His ear-to-ear smile lit up every room, and his gift of gab made him the life of the party. Kevin loved his wife's homemade clam chowder and chicken marsala. But he also had a soft spot for a simple pastrami sandwich or chili dog, especially when shared with loved ones.

He also leaves behind a daughter, Jessica McKenna and her daughter Stella of Weymouth, and two brothers, Doug McKenna (and wife Donna) of Berkley and Bryan McKenna of Randolph; his sisters, Renee Faulkner of Edgewater, Fla., Alisa Bulens (and husband Joe) of Norwell; and many nieces and nephews and countless friends and neighbors who were touched by his kindness and generosity.

Please honor Kevin's memory by enjoying a chili dog or cheering enthusiastically at the next soccer game—bonus points if you keep the referees on their toes.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on December 16 at Saint Mary of the Nativity, 1 Kent St., Scituate.