David R. McKenna, 63, passed away peacefully on January 3, 2026, in South Hadley, MA. Born on May 17, 1962, in Holyoke, MA, David was a lifelong resident of South Hadley.

David is the beloved son of Dorothy "Dottie" (Pininski) McKenna of South Hadley and the late Richard W. McKenna. He is survived by his two sisters Nancy Smith of South Hadley and Mary Meon and her husband, Bryan of South Hadley. He also leaves behind 4 nieces and nephews, along with his stepdaughter, Sara Shemanskis of CT and 2 step grandchildren.

David was a graduate of South Hadley High School and attended Johnson & Wales College, Over the years, he built a successful career as a chef, spending the last 20 years at Atkins Farm in Amherst. Prior to that, he honed his culinary skills at Mt. Holyoke College for 2 decades.

David was an avid camper who cherished trips to Maine with his late wife. He was also a true handyman at heart.

In accordance with the family's wishes, all services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Baystate Hospice.