UNICO Club Honors Dr. James McKenna
UNICO Club Honors Dr. James McKenna
UNICO Club Honors Dr. James McKenna
The Torrington chapter of UNICO has named James F. "Doc" McKenna "Person of the Year" and will hold a dinner in his honor on Wednesday, June 19 at the Cornucopia Banquet Hall, Pinewoods Rd. in Torrington; there will be a social hour from 6-7 p.m. followed by a buffet dinner.
A native of New Haven, Jim McKenna came to Torrington in 1950 to establish his medical practice because his wife, Jean, had relatives here. Before graduating from the University of California Medical School in San Francisco in 1948, he served in WWII from 1943-45, and he returned to military service from 1951-53, joining the Air Force.
Affectionately known as "Doc," Jim McKenna has participated in many community activities throughout the years. He has been an active supporter of youth and community sports, volunteering as a coach for the Varsity Alumnus League and serving on the Board of Directors that formed the Midget Football League as well as the Board of Directors of the Torrington Twisters. He has also been team doctor for the Twisters, and this year marks his 50th anniversary as Torrington High School's team physician.
Jim McKenna has served as President of the Serra Club (a Catholic organization that promotes and fosters vocations) and is a Fourth Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus; he is a parishioner of St. Francis Parish. He was an original member of the committee that organized the JCs and also a member of the Elks.
Professionally, Dr. McKenna has served as President of Medical Staff at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital and as Medical Director for 18 years. He is a member of the State Medical Committee on Sports Medicine, the American College of Sports Medicine, and the International Association for Dance Medicine and Science.
Jim McKenna's long record of service to the community has earned him awards and honors. He received the Gold "T" in 1979, was named City Irish Mayor in 1993, and was inducted into the THS Hall of Fame in 1997.
Jim McKenna and his wife, Jean, are the parents of eight children—five boys and three girls—and the grandparents of 18.
Tickets to the dinner in honor of Dr. James McKenna are $20; for reservations call Chairman David Frigo at 860-489-9030 (days), or 860-482-8127 (evenings).
