James L. McKenna

James Lawrence McKenna, 55, of North Haven passed away Friday, January 1, 2021 of injuries sustained from an automobile accident early that morning. James was born in New Haven on May 4, 1965 and is the son of Lawrence and Maureen Hanrahan McKenna. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Southern Connecticut State University. Jim served his country faithfully in the US Army reaching the rank of First Sergeant. He served in Germany as well as in Desert Shield/Desert Storm. He was an active reservist at the time of his passing. He spent his career in Law Enforcement with Metro-North Police, retiring as a Deputy Inspector. Jim treasured his family, most especially his daughter Angelina. He enjoyed adventures with her and participating in all her sports, often coaching. She was his world. Jim cherished his friends; spending time with them and making memories. Staying fit was important to him as well. He played adult hockey, did MMA training, ran in 5K races and trained daily. Jim was a member of and played football for the New Haven Gaelic Club. Loving father of Angelina M. McKenna. Brother of MaryEllen Hegarty (Stephen), Lawrence J. McKenna (Molly) and Susan Johnson (Kirk). Uncle of Kyle Hegarty, Erin Torres (Michael), Kelsey Hegarty, Michael and Patrick McKenna, Jillian, Olivia and Ava Johnson. Great-Uncle of Parker McKenna Torres. He is also survived by the mother of his daughter, Gina McKay. 

Family and friends are invited to go directly to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 2819 Whitney Avenue, Hamden on Thursday morning Jan. 7th at 11:30 to attend a Mass of Christian burial which will be live streamed on https://olomc.org/. (No more than 100 people allowed in church, masks and social distancing always required) Immediately following the Mass, full military honors will be rendered in front of the church. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warrior Project at support.woundedwarriorproject.org.

John Lawless

John Lawless, 88, of Milford, beloved husband of Marie Lawless, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2021 surrounded by his family. Born on July 9, 1932, in Northern Ireland, he was the 8th child of the late Martin and Martha Lawless. John grew up on a farm in Carrickmastay in the townland of Burren, Co. Down. His family later moved to Warrenpoint, County Down where John attended Newry Technical School. 

He was hired by the Great Northern Railway in Newry and was later promoted to a fireman on the steam engines and transferred to the Portadown depot in County Armagh. It was at a local dance in Portadown where John first met his future wife, Marie, who agreed to let him walk her home. He had a great affinity for dancing and was often the first on the floor to sweep Marie off her feet to the Tango, Old-time Waltz, and Quickstep.         

In 1958 John and Marie married and move to the United States. They moved to Milford in 1963 and after 62 years of marriage, the family has grown to six children, three daughters-in-law, two sons-in-law, eleven grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

John retired from Connecticut Light and Power in 1991. 

As his children were growing up, John coached soccer, was involved with the Boy Scouts and was an active member of the Irish community, Knights of Columbus, and St. Mary´s Church.

For over 45 years, John was a member of the New Haven Irish-American Community Center. He was one of the founding members of the New Haven chapter of Irish Northern Aid during the period of unrest in Northern Ireland which helped promote the peace process to benefit the Irish people. He was also honored as Ulster Man of the Year and Irish Man of the Year.

John was a fourth-degree member of the Knights of Columbus in Milford, where he was the Faithful Navigator in 2003. As an active member of the Knights, he participated in many fundraisers, volunteered for the Special Olympics, and assisted in providing food baskets to the needy.

He could be found every Saturday evening helping with the weekly collections at Saint Mary’s Church and also volunteered at the Kidś Closet.

Along with his wife, John leaves behind his children, Barry (Cindy) Lawless, Colin (Maureen) Lawless, Sharon Lawless, Aileen (David) Murray, Kerry (Ron Curley) Lawless, and Kevin (Melissa) Lawless; grandchildren, Stephanie Lawless, Devin Arpaia, Connor Lawless, Wendi Lenches, Sean Lawless, Kyra Murray, Molly Murray, Rowan Curley, Kaylee Curley, Logan Lawless, and Brennen Lawless; and great-grandchild Madelyn Lenches and many extended family and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 6, 2021, at 11 a.m. at Saint Mary Church (Precious Blood Parish) 70 Gulf St., Milford. Family and friends may gather at the church that morning from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Services will be livestreamed at www.nextlevellivestream.com; once there viewers should click on the red button that says 'Go to Today's Livestream'. Interment will be private.

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