Terence P. McKenna

Terence P. McKenna, 96, of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, beloved husband, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully October 7, 2024, surrounded by the love of his family in Syracuse, NY. Terence (Terry) was born in Ireland on September 3, 1928 and emigrated with his parents in 1930, later residing in Hartford, CT. After losing his father at a young age, Terry served in the United States Marine Corps and then began a career. He worked for John Hancock Life Insurance in Hartford, CT, and Atlanta, GA, ascending through the decades to the position of Senior Vice President at the company’s headquarters in Boston, MA. An avid golfer, Terry was a member of the Woods Hole Golf Club in Cape Cod, MA, serving as Club President from 1983-1985. In Florida, he enjoyed living and golfing at the Frenchman’s Creek Club in Palm Beach Gardens. Terry is predeceased by his wife, Patricia Buckley McKenna whom he cared for during her 11-year progression of Alzheimer’s Disease. Terry and Patricia resided in Boston, MA, and enjoyed homes in Falmouth, MA, and Palm Beach Gardens. He met and later married Suzanne Caffey and the two resided in Laguna Beach, CA. The two were featured in the award-winning HBO documentary “The Caregivers,” reflecting on the experience of providing care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease. They were active volunteers at the Alzheimer’s Family Services Center. Terry is also predeceased by his sister, Joan M. Coholan of Syracuse, NY, and her husband, Gerald F. Coholan. Their children, Terry’s nephews and nieces, survive him: Eileen (Mark) Garafano, Daniel (Vicki) Coholan, Terence (Jan) Coholan, Tricia (Tom) Corey, Brian (Santa) Coholan, and Peggy Northrup. Terry is also survived by 18 great-nieces and nephews and several great great-nieces and nephews. Family and friends will greatly miss Terry’s love of life, quick wit, and wisdom. The Coholan family invites all to honor Terry’s life at a Mass of Remembrance on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at 11 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 3494 Route 31, Baldwinsville, NY. The mass will be followed by a celebration of Terry’s life at Coleman’s Irish Pub, 100 S. Lowell Ave., Syracuse. Contributions honoring Terry can be sent to Francis House at 108 Michaels Ave., Syracuse, NY 13209.

Terence P. McKenna

September 3, 1928 - October 7, 2024