John McKenna Program

John McKenna Program

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  Some notes received Sadnews for Kathe and for us, the passing of John, “father” of Haley House as well as some pretty awesome daughters.You've earned your rest, John. — I knew John from when we started on the police force in 1971 and back then we all questioned why John, a Holy Cross graduate would want a job patrolling the subway system but we soon learned that John was a gentleman who was sincere in helping those less fortunate. I marvel at what he accomplished after he left the department. I’m truly saddened by his death but I’m proud to say that I knew and worked with John, a gentleman, a truly gifted individual, a fierce competitor and a great humanitarian who will be missed. — Rest in power, John McKenna, who founded Haley House Community, the Catholic Worker house in Boston. I remember his dry wit and kindness.A very important place and community in my life story. — John and I along with the 35 of us were sworn in as MBTA police officers on May 17, 1971. For those of you who did not know John, he was one of the finest PO on the T Police. John had a liberal side but he was very conservative as a police officer. His size never stopped him attacking any situation that he was
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  Memorial Gathering December 5,2015 Welcome David Manzo Reflections Julia Maclaughlin Joan Beth Condon and Maureen Horn Marge and James Harris Simon Canick Tricia Beaird Father Bob Kennedy Kevin McCaffrey Open time to share a memory of John Please enjoy conversation and delicious food from Haley House Bakery Café and Dudley Dough John J. McKenna John wanted his brain donated to Boston University School of Medicine to further research on chronic traumatic encephalopathy.
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  presented.The assailant couldbe 5' tall or 7' tall did not stop the 5'-8" John from jumping into either affect an arrest or assist. — I was so sad to hear that John had died. He was such a wonderful, amazing man and so full of Irish wit and sparkle. — I had the privilege of working with John on the MBTA Police Department. I recall that not long after he became an officer, we had a situation involving homeless people who were being victimized on the “T.” It was not uncommon for them to find shelter in MBTA stations where they were easy targets for those who would prey upon them for what little belongings they had. In response we put together a team of undercover officers to address the problem. John was quick to volunteer for this assignment.The plan was for a plainclothes officer (John, more often than not) to pose as a street person and pretend being asleep on a subway bench. Backup officers would be concealed nearby. Eventually a preda- tor would approach the “sleeping” officer, and com- mence rifling through his pockets.The waiting officers would then rush in to make the apprehension.This decoy operation went on for some time and was effec- tive in deterring crimes against helpless victims. Playing the part of a street person and volunteering to be a potential robbery victim was not a job for the faint of When great souls die the air around us becomes light, rare, sterile. We breathe, briefly. Our eyes, briefly, See with a hurtful clarity. Maya Angelou — An evening with you was complete when we saw John coming down the stairs to join us.With his wonderful family stories, he always taught us more about Boston and about ourselves. — I remember 54 Montgomery full of young people, John’s droll humor, his love of you all. — We feel very lucky to have known John when he was well.We remember fondly sitting on your stoop and chatting with John about the goings-on.And with both of you in your warm kitchen, with cold beer and great conversations. — John McKenna’s life was very much “love in action.”
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  heart.The risks involveddid not faze John and he took on this task with his usual enthusiasm. — John was a true warrior for justice/peace in his rather quiet way. John was a quiet and witty presence on the stoop. He never talked about his early years of justice work or his years at Holy Cross where we both attended college though many years apart. — So much of his journey he never revealed to us later-comers to the Haley house scene, but I am not at all surprised... just amazed all the more. John was humble. — We all had respect and affection for John.Whether he was working undercover, in uniform, or as one of our court prosecuting officers, John was always a professional and always a man of integrity. — Every time I crossed the Montgomery Street threshold, with a welcome into their lives, that great house, taking the time to engage thoughtfully and with great fun, sharing in conversations on all manner of things, the ways of the world, architecture and design, movies, neighborhood goings-on, South End and Haley House history. — I will always remember John’s kind spirit. He was truly a champion for COMPASS. It is hard to believe the ever-evolving John McKenna is no longer with us, but then again, I think it may just be one more evolution for John in another realm. — I will always remember him as a funny, smart, committed, remarkable man. — What an amazing, inspiring and singular life he led. — He was an important part of my family memories; from childhood sleepovers where his dual job status fascinated me, to his warm welcome while I lived with you during my teaching internship. His kindness and generosity are unforgettable, and I’m proud to claim him as my godfather. — Grateful for John and his generous life. — During my time at your home I got to see a father who continuously shared his love of family – in work, at home around the kitchen table or helping with school work (Greek/Latin!) and taking the dog out. He was the model of “a man for others.” His wit and humor were a delight even when directed at me.The “stoop” time on Montgomery Street was special, we covered lots of subjects as we watched the world go by. It was a joy just to sit there with this person I admired.What a gift. I’m so thankful having known him.