Mr Wendell F. McKennerney

Waterbury- Mr. Wendell F. McKennerney, 93, of died on Saturday, November 24 at the LiveWell Center in Plantsville. He was the husband of Marjorie (German) (Goodson) McKennerney.

Wendell was born November 5, 1925 in Waterbury son of the late Francis and Catherine (Wendel) McKennerney. He lived in Waterville for most of his early years until locating to his present home on Westmont Drive. He attended Sprague School and Crosby High School. In 1942 he joined the United States Navy and became a Seebee until his discharge in 1946 after taking part in the Aleutian Island Campaign. After his discharge he received his B.S. in Education from the Teachers College (now Central Connecticut State University) in New Britain where he met and married Patricia MacLafferty. He received his Masters Degree in Administration from Hillyer College in 1956 and a sixth year of graduate study from the University of Hartford in 1974.

He had taught in Middletown and then returned to Waterbury to teach in Driggs School. He became a teaching vice principal of Webster School and then supervising vice principal of Sprague School. He became the principal Anderson School and then principal of East Farms School until his retirement. He had been an active member of the Waterbury Teachers Assoc. for many years. It was during one of his years as president that the first written contract for teachers was achieved.

In addition to his teaching career Mr. McKennerney operated a refreshment stand for 4 summers in Milford and was a letter carrier for several summers in Waterbury. His interest in antiques resulted in his becoming an antique dealer and furniture restorer.

Upon his retirement he became a funeral assistant with the Bergin Funeral Home and had worked as an election moderator at the library branch in Bunker Hill.

He was a longtime member of the First Congregational Church of Waterbury and had served on many committees, especially as a volunteer at the annual Christmas dinner for those in need. He had been an active member of the Waterbury Lion’s Club, Wendell had served as an officer for more than 25 years. He was proclaimed a Knight of the Blind, Connecticut’s highest honor and their choice for Mayor of the Day.

In addition to his wife he is survived by two daughters, Kathleen Macher of Uncasville and Doreen Neal McKennerney of Live Oak, FL; two step-children, Leslie Salas of Guam and David Goodson of East Hampton; seven grandchildren; five step-grandchildren and several great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 9:00 A.M. on Saturday, December 1 at the First Congregational Church of Waterbury 222 West Main St. Burial will be private. For more information or to send notes of sympathy and comfort to Wendell’s family please visit his tribute page at www.berginfuneralhome.com