Joe Mckenna

Joe's story

** If you did not make it to the funeral on Wednesday 21st and you would prefer to make a donation, then you can do so here and also leave a tribute to Joe** Joe McKenna was born on the 22nd of May 1930 in Caledon Co. Tyrone. He joined the army and was soon stationed in Aldershot, he was a Lance Corporal in the Parachute Regiment when he met Pamela, who was in the Women’s Royal Army Corps at the time and on the 3rd of September 1955 they married. Joe was known as Paddy in the army. He was promoted to Warrant Officer whilst serving in The Parachute Regiment 2nd Battalion and received his Warrant on 6th March 1968. Joe was Support Company Sergeant Major to 2 Para. His Army career saw him on tours in Borneo, Cyprus, to the Suez Crisis, Aden, Bahrain and Northern Ireland. In all - 22 years of service. Husband to Pam - they celebrated 50 years of marriage in 2005 and Pam passed away in 2008. Dad to 3 children - Mac (Michael) in born 1956, Paula in 1958 and Sharon in 1962. Grandad to Stephen in Australia and James now in America. And Sameera and Imani, who live in London. Son's in Law Steve and John and Daughter in Law Pervin make up the family. Joe always kept close links to his army days and attended monthly meetings with the Nottingham Parachute Regiment Association – the PRA at The Royal British Legion in Beeston, Notts. Trips away to Arnhem and London with the PRA were much enjoyed. Into anything airborne, Joe was pleased when daughter Sharon worked for The Air Ambulance Service in Kegworth - he would look for the yellow and grey of Helimed54 passing over - pleased in knowing that Sharon was helping to keep them flying in a small way. Hence the tribute on the local Air Ambulance page! But Joe's health deteriorated late 2017 and he was poorly from the 19th of February this year. He lost his battle on the 6th of March - 50 years to the day from receiving his Warrant and promotion to WO2 in the Para’s. He leaves a family that miss him terribly and a lots of friends that will notice a gap at the Nottingham PRA meeting table. Joe “Paddy” McKenna “Utrinque Paratus” “Ready for Anything”

Remembered by Sharon Mckenna