Monday, November 9, 2026 | St. Lawrence County, NY
CANTON/POTSDAM - John Lee McKenney, 86, of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania passed away on October 18, 2026. John was born on April 26, 1940 in Potsdam, New York. He grew up in Canton, New York where he graduated from Canton High School in 1958. He attended Clarkson University in Potsdam, New York where he earned his undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering. He went on to obtain his master's degree from Clarkson as well.
In 1962 he married Judy Munson King. They had two daughters together. Cathy Anne Ginder and Nancy Jo Mack. John thrived in his job as a civil engineer. He worked for Bethlehem Steel and Union Carbide before ultimately spending the remainder of his career at Modjeski and Masters where he worked for thirty six years. The nature of his job required frequent moves as John was assigned to work on various bridge projects all across the country.
John will be remembered for his devotion and faithfulness to his family. He was a man of integrity, humor, hard work, and generosity. He was an avid sports fan from a young age. From playing various sports himself, to listening with rapt attention on the radio, to watching games on TV, to supporting his brother, kids, and grandkids and their teams. He loved Garfield, popcorn, tootsie rolls, and his cats. He enjoyed puzzles, cribbage, reading books, sudoku, and a good game of Oh Sugar.
John was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Judy. He is survived by his daughters Cathy and Nancy (Toby). His grandchildren Taundi Hoover (Eric) and Michael Ginder. His great granddaughter Olive Hoover. His brother Robert McKenney.
There will be a memorial service for John on November 14, 2026, Good News Free Methodist Church, 124 State Road, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050 at 1:00. Burial to follow at Mechanicsburg Cemetery, 137 West Marble Street, 17055.
