Christopher McKenna, 60, of Mount Pleasant, SC, passed away peacefully at home on July 2, 2025, after a courageous battle with glioblastoma. He faced his illness with unwavering strength, kindness, and gratitude—and even in his final days, he never lost his sense of humor.

Chris was born on November 6, 1964, in Bangor, Maine, to Russ and Vivian McKenna. A devoted family man, he found his greatest joy in time spent with loved ones. He shared 37 beautiful years of marriage with his wife, Rhonda, and was a proud and loving father to his daughters, Fallon and Kelsey. In recent years, Jay Selesky became a cherished part of the McKenna family.

Chris had a soft spot for animals and treated all of his family's furry companions as true members of the household. He had a passion for creativity and could often be found tackling home improvement projects or tinkering in his workshop. He lived life with imagination and wonder —firmly believing in endless possibilities, including Bigfoot and aliens.

Chris dedicated his life to serving others. He spent 25 years as a firefighter with the Bangor Fire Department (1988-2013). He was also a Black Hawk helicopter pilot in the Maine and South Carolina Army National Guard for more than 27 years (1984-2015) serving in Bosnia, Iraq and Kuwait. He logged more than 4,000 mishap-free flight hours supporting both combat and humanitarian missions across the globe. After retirement, he continued his service as a helicopter pilot with Air Center Helicopters, Inc. of Texas working in Afghanistan, Somalia, Africa, and Panama. Prior to his illness, he was proud to honor both professions as an aerial firefighter combating wildfires in California and Oregon with Siller Helicopters, Inc. of California.

He will also be remembered as a beloved brother, brother-in-law, and uncle. He is survived by his sister Cal (Rob Liebow), brother Russ, sister Maureen (Tom Tousignant), sisters-in-law Sherry Robinson and Amanda Busenbark, as well as five nephews and four nieces.

● The family will hold a celebration of life ceremony on 9/14/25 from 3-7pm at the Sea Dog Brewery in Bangor, ME.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to:

● Glioblastoma Foundation glioblastomafoundation.org/get-involved/donate

● Fisher House Foundation connect.fisherhouse.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donate.event&eventID=1