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Coach, Teacher, Guidance counselor
John McKenna passed away on May 25, 2011 at the age of 89 in Cheshire, CT. Mr McKenna spent most of his 35 years in Wilby High School. He began his teaching career in physical education at the elementary school school level and in 1950 joined the staff at Wilby High School to teach and coach football, basketball, and baseball.
Mr. McKenna's most cherished accomplishement in sports was coaching the Wilby HS basketball team to the Class A State Championship in 1952-53.
In 1965 he moved to the Guidance Department at Wilby where he reamined until his retirement in 1982.
Mr. McKenna pitched professionally in the Boston Braves system after being signed out of high school. Mr. McKenna worked as a scout for the Baltimore Oriales for seven years during the 1960's and spent 28 years as a high school basketball official and baseball umpire and college basketball official.
At the high school level, he officiated seven state championship basketball games and the New England Championship Tournament final in 1958. He is believed to be the only Connecticut person to have coached and officated in the New England tournement.
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Kenneth Sheldon (1958)
John McKenna was a great coach and wonderful role model for young men. He had a very positive impact on my life and am saddened to hear of his passing.
Ken Sheldon
Class of 1958
Ellen Marie Pace (Pace-Candelaria) (1958)
Mr. McKenna, was a true role model for the young men he mentored. Theirrespect for Coach McKenna inspired them; to do well in class as well as on thecourt. Even though that State Tournament scoreboard in 1958 said we had lost, it was a winning team on the bus back to Waterbury. Coach McKenna had taught
them how to play basketball and he set the example of how to carry oneself
through life.
Ellen Marie Pace '58
Debby Clark (Caruso) (1973)
Mr. McKenna was my Guidance Counselor, I remember him as being a very kind man. I loved talking to him and hearing his advice. He was loved by everyone in the school. Upon my graduation in 1973 we had a special chat before parting. I was so saddened when I learned of his passing. Rest in peace Mr. McKenna.