John McKenna, founder of Haley House Community in Boston, passed away. He had a long career as a police officer on the MBTA police force before founding Haley House, a Catholic Worker house, to help the homeless and less fortunate. As a police officer, John volunteered for undercover assignments to protect homeless people from being victimized. Comments from friends and family remember John as a kind, humble, and committed man with a great sense of humor who had a significant positive impact through his work with Haley House and in the community.

1. Some notes received
Sad news for Kathe and for us, the passing of John,
“father” of Haley House as well as some pretty awesome
daughters.You've earned your rest, John.
—
I knew John from when we started on the police force
in 1971 and back then we all questioned why John, a
Holy Cross graduate would want a job patrolling the
subway system but we soon learned that John was a
gentleman who was sincere in helping those less
fortunate. I marvel at what he accomplished after he
left the department. I’m truly saddened by his death but
I’m proud to say that I knew and worked with John, a
gentleman, a truly gifted individual, a fierce competitor
and a great humanitarian who will be missed.
—
Rest in power, John McKenna, who founded Haley
House Community, the Catholic Worker house in
Boston. I remember his dry wit and kindness.A very
important place and community in my life story.
—
John and I along with the 35 of us were sworn in as
MBTA police officers on May 17, 1971. For those of
you who did not know John, he was one of the finest
PO on the T Police. John had a liberal side but he was
very conservative as a police officer. His size never
stopped him attacking any situation that he was

2. Memorial Gathering
December 5, 2015
Welcome
David Manzo
Reflections
Julia Maclaughlin
Joan Beth Condon and Maureen Horn
Marge and James Harris
Simon Canick
Tricia Beaird
Father Bob Kennedy
Kevin McCaffrey
Open time to share a memory of John
Please enjoy conversation and delicious
food from Haley House Bakery Café and
Dudley Dough
John J. McKenna
John wanted his brain donated to Boston
University School of Medicine to further
research on chronic traumatic encephalopathy.

3. presented.The assailant could be 5' tall or 7' tall did
not stop the 5'-8" John from jumping into either affect
an arrest or assist.
—
I was so sad to hear that John had died. He was such a
wonderful, amazing man and so full of Irish wit and
sparkle.
—
I had the privilege of working with John on the MBTA
Police Department. I recall that not long after he became
an officer, we had a situation involving homeless people
who were being victimized on the “T.” It was not
uncommon for them to find shelter in MBTA stations
where they were easy targets for those who would prey
upon them for what little belongings they had. In
response we put together a team of undercover officers
to address the problem. John was quick to volunteer for
this assignment.The plan was for a plainclothes officer
(John, more often than not) to pose as a street person
and pretend being asleep on a subway bench. Backup
officers would be concealed nearby. Eventually a preda-
tor would approach the “sleeping” officer, and com-
mence rifling through his pockets.The waiting officers
would then rush in to make the apprehension.This
decoy operation went on for some time and was effec-
tive in deterring crimes against helpless victims. Playing
the part of a street person and volunteering to be a
potential robbery victim was not a job for the faint of
When great souls die
the air around us becomes
light, rare, sterile.
We breathe, briefly.
Our eyes, briefly,
See with
a hurtful clarity.
Maya Angelou
—
An evening with you was complete when we saw John
coming down the stairs to join us.With his wonderful
family stories, he always taught us more about Boston
and about ourselves.
—
I remember 54 Montgomery full of young people,
John’s droll humor, his love of you all.
—
We feel very lucky to have known John when he was
well.We remember fondly sitting on your stoop and
chatting with John about the goings-on.And with both
of you in your warm kitchen, with cold beer and great
conversations.
—
John McKenna’s life was very much “love in action.”

4. heart.The risks involved did not faze John and he took on
this task with his usual enthusiasm.
—
John was a true warrior for justice/peace in his rather quiet
way. John was a quiet and witty presence on the stoop. He
never talked about his early years of justice work or his years
at Holy Cross where we both attended college though many
years apart.
—
So much of his journey he never revealed to us later-comers
to the Haley house scene, but I am not at all surprised...
just amazed all the more. John was humble.
—
We all had respect and affection for John.Whether he was
working undercover, in uniform, or as one of our court
prosecuting officers, John was always a professional and
always a man of integrity.
—
Every time I crossed the Montgomery Street threshold,
with a welcome into their lives, that great house, taking the
time to engage thoughtfully and with great fun, sharing in
conversations on all manner of things, the ways of the world,
architecture and design, movies, neighborhood goings-on,
South End and Haley House history.
—
I will always remember John’s kind spirit. He was truly a
champion for COMPASS.
It is hard to believe the ever-evolving John McKenna is
no longer with us, but then again, I think it may just be
one more evolution for John in another realm.
—
I will always remember him as a funny, smart, committed,
remarkable man.
—
What an amazing, inspiring and singular life he led.
—
He was an important part of my family memories; from
childhood sleepovers where his dual job status fascinated
me, to his warm welcome while I lived with you during
my teaching internship. His kindness and generosity
are unforgettable, and I’m proud to claim him as my
godfather.
—
Grateful for John and his generous life.
—
During my time at your home I got to see a father who
continuously shared his love of family – in work, at
home around the kitchen table or helping with school
work (Greek/Latin!) and taking the dog out. He was the
model of “a man for others.” His wit and humor were a
delight even when directed at me.The “stoop” time on
Montgomery Street was special, we covered lots of
subjects as we watched the world go by. It was a joy just
to sit there with this person I admired.What a gift. I’m
so thankful having known him.