James Lee McKenney

James Lee McKenney, age 88, a life-long resident of Norwell, passed away peacefully at Linden Ponds on Oct 12, 2023. James was born in Brockton to the late James Ainslie and Laura Genevieve (nee MacDermott). Beloved husband of Jean Marie (Joseph) McKenney (deceased). Loving father of Michael and partner Kevin of Virginia; Patricia Moulton and husband Carl of Maine; Peter and wife Jessica of Maryland; Timothy and wife Christine of New Hampshire. Admired Grandfather of Brendan McKenney, Cara Jean Moulton, Dylan Moulton, Caitlin McKenney, Robert McKenney, Erin McKenney and James Lee McKenney. James Lee is survived by his sister Jane Ryder. He was also the brother of the late Dana McKenney.

Lee attended Norwell High School (as did Jean) and earned a Mechanical Engineering degree from Northeastern University. Lee served in the surface fleet of the US Navy in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean Seas. His career included working for Honeywell and other firms designing novel heating systems. He held seventeen patents.

Lee led Norwell Troop 66 during the Boy Scouts peak years in town along with Dick Caldwell and Tom Clark and many others. Lee cherished sailing, his vegetable garden and fruit trees, the outdoor life, his family and his many projects done around the house and for others.

Funeral will be held on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at 2pm at the McNamara-Sparrell Funeral Home-1 Summer Street, COHASSET,  MA. Visitation will be held prior from 12-2pm. Relatives and friends invited to attend. Interment will take place at Washington Street Cemetery, Norwell.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Michael J Fox foundation for Parkinson's Research.

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