McKenna, who taught at SF State from 1946 until his retirement in 1975, graduated from Santa Clara University with a bachelor's degree in philosophy and promptly entered law school, earning his doctorate in law, before going on to teach at Santa Clara.
In 1946, McKenna came to what was then San Francisco State College as the chairman of the drama department. Later he became dean of the School of Creative Arts.
During his long teaching career, McKenna produced or directed more than 125 college theatrical productions, including "Noah," "Twelfth Night" and "Murder in the Cathedral," and at least 26 professional shows in the Bay Area.
In 1972, the main auditorium in the Creative Arts building was renamed for McKenna "in recognition of his more than 25 years of dedication to the performing arts at San Francisco State College and in the community," said SF State College president S.I. Hayakawa at the time of the dedication.
In addition to the hall bearing his name, there is a mural of McKenna at the south side of the auditorium.
McKenna leaves behind four siblings, three children and four grandchildren. He was the husband of the late Jewel McKenna.
A funeral mass will be held at St. Stephens Church today at 10 a.m. He will be buried tomorrow at 1 p.m. at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery.
Donations for the J. Fenton McKenna Memorial Fund will be accepted care of the SFSU Foundation.
[ Golden Gater Online October 19, 1995 ]
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