Charles A. McKenney

FALMOUTH — TMC Charles "Mac" A. McKenney, USN. Ret., 92, formerly of Auburn and a resident of Portland, died early Tuesday morning of congestive heart failure at Falmouth by the Sea with his loving family by his side.

He was born in Auburn on May 26, 1920, the son of Herman E. and Winifred I. (Poole) McKenney. He was a 1939 graduate of Edward Little High School participating as a high school track star, football fullback, as well as a cross country and alpine ski Olympian hopeful. He was trained and loved by ELHS coach, Zeke Dewelly.

He then began a 33-year active duty career with the United States Navy, retiring as a senior chief torpedoman in 1973. Following his Navy career, he retired to his home in Portland with his wife and family beginning his new career in finish carpentry.

He was a charter member of the original First Universalist Church of Auburn, was also a charter member of the Fleet Reserve of South Portland and was a member of the American Legion and VFW.

His hobbies included camping, climbing and skiing in the White Mountains. He also was well known for rebuilding antique and muscle cars. He competed in many organized car shows throughout Maine. He also had a talent as a realist painter whose paintings were so detailed.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, the former Goldie Knight of Bridgton, residing in Portland; two daughters, Dianne McKenney Morin of Kingman, Ariz. and Eleanor "Ellie" K. McKenney of Portland; one sister, Ruth McKenney Ecklund of New Jersey; nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Funeral services honoring Charles' life were held on Tuesday at 1 p.m., followed by United States Navy Military Honors at the First Universalist Church, Pleasant Street, Auburn. Burial will be held later in the spring at the McKenney family lot on Linden Lane in Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Auburn. Arrangements were by Dillingham & Son Memorial Chapel, 62 Spring Street, Auburn. Flowers may also be sent to this address. Online condolences and sharing of memories may be expressed at www.lynchbrothers.com

Memorial donations in Charles' memory may be made to: The U.S. Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, 875 N. Randolph St., Suite 225, Arlington, Va. 22203 and/or Greater Androscoggin Humane Society, 55 Strawberry Ave., Lewiston, ME 04240.