Kyle J. McKenna (27) of Tiverton, RI died on November 5, 2025.  Born February 12, 1998, to the late Cathleen Fletcher (Crowley) and the late Paul A. McKenna, he spent his life as a kind and compassionate soul who gave selflessly.  As a young boy, he developed such a strong love for animals so much so that he secretly orchestrated the purchase of a puppy without anyone knowing until it showed up. He had aspirations of becoming a veterinarian or a vet tech and even took it upon himself to read veterinary medicine textbooks at a young age.  After attending high school, he discovered an even bigger passion that took hold, and that was working alongside his father at Newport Bicycle.  Kyle was quick to learn his father’s talent fixing bicycles, and could often be seen riding around Newport on one of his many road bikes.  Through spending time with his Uncle Mark, he became a big music lover, attending some of the most sought out concerts together.  Despite being 12 years apart in age, Kyle looked forward to comparing notes on the latest video games and New England sports during Tuesday dinners with his big brother, Justin.  In recent years, his sister, Nicole, bought a house near him and they grew very close spending hours together on long car rides, talking about life, people and everything in between. Kyle had a unique outlook on the world, which allowed him to see both sides of the coin. His ability to help guide others to lead with more compassion and grace is something that was treasured and will be surely missed.  Although some may have doubted him at times, he was strong hearted and almost always right.

 

Kyle is survived by his siblings, Nicole Anderson and her partner, Greg Winslow; Justin Anderson and his wife, Meaghan Anderson; Brandan McKenna and Christopher DeResendes.  He also leaves behind his niece and nephew along with many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

 

He is preceded in death by his father, Paul A. McKenna, his mother, Cathleen Fletcher, his step-mother Nancy McKenna (DeResendes), his paternal grandparents, Robert J. and Mary Jean McKenna, along with his maternal grandparents, Michael F. Crowley Sr. and Elizabeth Thornton Crowley.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you take time to reach out to someone in need, offer a listening ear, or support a cause close to your heart in Kyle’s memory.

 

The McKennas will be hosting a memorial service for Kyle on Saturday November 15th from 11am - 2pm at The Pell Center at Salve Regina University on Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI.

 

A celebration of life will be held by Nicole and Justin to honor both Kyle and their mother, Cathleen, the following Saturday in Newport. For more information, please text Nicole or Justin.