Paul Joseph McKenney

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Paul Joseph McKenney, a beloved father, son, brother, and dedicated community servant. Paul passed away on January 14, 2025, in Sykesville, Maryland, at the age of 49. He was born on March 1, 1975, in Greenbelt, Maryland, to Margaret Z. McKenney and the late Arthur J. McKenney.

Paul was a loving father to his cherished daughter, Maylin R. McKenney. He was also a twin brother to Andrew J. McKenney, and an older brother to Brian A. McKenney. Paul’s family was his world, and he was a proud and doting uncle to his nieces and nephews: Cameron A. McKenney, Gabriel Villareal, Dominic B. McKenney, Olivia M. McKenney, and Hayden A. McKenney. His love for his family knew no bounds, and he shared a special bond with each of them.

Paul’s dedication to service began early in life. At the age of 16, he joined the Greenbelt Fire Department as a volunteer firefighter in 1991, where his passion for helping others flourished. In 1992, Paul transferred to the Branchville Volunteer Fire Company, where he proudly served his community as a life member. His commitment to his community was unwavering, and for over 17 years, he embodied the spirit of generosity and compassion, dressing as Santa Claus for the fire department’s holiday celebrations to bring joy to families in the area. In the midst of volunteering at the firehouse, Paul also worked for Guardian Fire Protection Services as a Fire Suppression Technician in the Restaurant Kitchen Fire Suppression division for 22 years. 

Outside of his firefighting duties, Paul had many passions. He enjoyed golfing, testing his luck at the casino, organizing events for the Special Olympics, and spending time with his Knights of Columbus family, grilling and relaxing together. Paul also had a love for adventure, traveling with his daughter Maylin, and enjoying a refreshing orange crush at his favorite Ocean City spot, The Cork Bar. Above all, Paul was known for his unmatched sense of humor, his willingness to help anyone in need, and his extraordinary personality that left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

Paul will be remembered for his selflessness, his devotion to serving his community, and his deep love for his family. He was a man who never hesitated to lend a hand, and his legacy of kindness and laughter will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

A visitation and fire department service will be held at Borgwardt Funeral Home on January 24, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM for family and friends, followed by a fire department service from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM. All are welcome to stay for the fire services as well. Borgwardt Funeral Home is located at 4400 Powder Mill Rd, Beltsville, MD 20705.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church on January 25, 2025, at 11:00 AM, located at 4902 Berwyn Rd, College Park, MD 20740. Following the Mass, a repast will be held for family and friends at the Branchville Volunteer Fire Department, 4905 Branchville Road, College Park, MD 20740.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Creutzfeldt-Jacob Disease (CJD) Foundation or floral donations may be made directly to Borgwardt Funeral Home.

Paul’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. He was truly one of a kind, and his presence will be sorely missed.