William R. McKenney, 85 of Kittery, Maine, passed away on December 26, 2025, surrounded by his friends and loved ones.

William, known to many as "Bill" or  "Bitta", was born in Portsmouth, NH, on May 26, 1940, to parents Ernest and Rita (Regan) McKenney.  He grew up in Eliot, Maine. After high school he would go on to join the army, serving from 1962 to 1964 as a helicopter mechanic. He would spend time in Germany during this period of his life. Once out of the army he became a Union Mason as a bricklayer, later going one to own his own business, William McKenney Tile based in Kittery, Maine.

An avid enthusiast of American steel, Bill enjoyed driving to car shows with many friends, including Malcolm Parker, Tweet Hall, and his life long best friend, Art Young. Bill was a Buick man. His pride and joy being his 1937 Buick Century Convertible. He collected many other cars, and enjoyed all his time working on them and discussing them with fellow hobbyists.

Bill loved much in life from old boats to his antique cars, cookouts with all the boys and listening to old music. The most important thing was his love of spending time with friends and family, especially his grandchildren.

Bill was predeceased by his parents as well as his brothers, Paul and James.

He is survived by his sisters Catherine Frye of Eliot, Mary Ellis of Eliot; daughter, Heidi of Somersworth; stepsons, Christopher Gould of Kittery, Brandon Gould of Lebanon; grandchildren Molly, Joey, Abby, Daniel, Angelique, Mackenzie, Zachary, and Braxton; as well as his many cousins, nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Beacon Hospice and all the workers who took such great care of Bill.

A memorial visitation will take place Saturday, January 3, 2026, from 1-3p, at the JS Pelkey & Son Funeral Home, 125 Old Post Road, Kittery, Maine, 03904. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to your local VFW post or to Beacon Hospice, https://harborfoundation.givingfuel.com/harborfoundation . Care for the McKenney family has been entrusted to the JS Pelkey & Son Funeral Home.