Peter Andrew McKenna, Sr., 80, of Bristol, RI, passed away following a brief illness on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Hope Health Hulitar Hospice Center in Providence, RI surrounded by the comfort of his family. He was the beloved husband of Carol A. (Fennell) McKenna, to whom he had been married for nearly 57 years.

Born in Providence, RI on July 10, 1945, he was the son of the late John F. McKenna, Jr and the late D. Muriel (Seymour) McKenna.

He resided most of his life in Bristol, having moved with his parents as a youth from Providence.

Mr. McKenna proudly and honorably served his country in the United States Army Reserves, retiring in 1994 having achieved the rank of Master Sergeant.

In earlier years, he was employed as a machinist for Collins Brothers Machines and later was a long-term sales representative for Wardwell Braiding Company prior to his retirement.

He treasured the times spent sailing on Narragansett Bay, visiting the beach, and basking in the sunshine. He found pleasure in tinkering with his vehicles, especially in his younger days on his Corvettes and motorcycle.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sister: Mary (McKenna) Carreiro of Bristol, RI; his sister-in-law: Katherine F. Gere of Burlington, MA and three generations of devoted nieces and nephews.

He was the dear father of the late Patrick A. McKenna who died in 2005 and the late First Sergeant P. Andrew McKenna, Jr. who died in 2015.

Mr. McKenna was predeceased by his siblings: Roberta Kinkead and John F. McKenna III.

Relatives and friends are warmly welcome to attend visitation on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm in the Sansone Funeral Home, 192 Wood Street, Bristol, RI.

The funeral will be from the Sansone Funeral Home, 192 Wood Street, Bristol, RI on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 8:30 am followed by a Funeral Mass on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 10:00 am at the St. Mary of the Bay Roman Catholic Church, Main Street, Warren, RI.

Private burial with military honors will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Chestnut Street, Bristol, RI where he will be laid to rest with his beloved children.

The family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations in his name may be made to either the Hope Health Hospice, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904 or to the Special Forces Association - Emerald Coast Chapter VII by accessing their website at: www.sfa7.com

For additional information or to send the family a written expression of sympathy, please visit an online guest book at www.sansonefuneralhome.com

Arrangements are under the direction of Sansone Funeral Home, 192 Wood Street, Bristol, RI 02809. (401) 253-7110