Charles McKenney of Wainscott died on March 1 in hospice care in Florida. He was 84.
Mr. McKenney had rented summer cottages in Water Mill in the 1960s and 1970s before buying a house in Wainscott. He spent time there every year.
He grew up in Summit, New Jersey, graduated from The Pingry School in New Jersey, and Yale, and got his law degree from the University of Virginia. After serving in the U.S. Navy, he practiced patent law as a partner with Pennie & Edmonds in New York City until his retirement. He was involved with the New England Society in New York.
After raising a family in Darien, Connecticut, he retired with his wife, “Bobo,” to West Palm Beach, Florida. During summers, they were parishioners at St. Ann’s Episcopal Church in Bridgehampton. He and his wife were known as charming hosts of many large parties at their house, sometimes with live music and a dance floor.
Mr. McKenney golfed at Shinnecock Hills in Southampton and was also a member of Devon Yacht Club in Amagansett. He had once been a member of Bridgehampton Club.
He is survived by his wife, Helaine “Bobo” McKenney; his children, Hobby Coudert and husband Matt, Wensley McKenney and wife Christine, and Philip McKenney; and four grandchildren, Preston and Emerson McKenney, and Matthew and Charlotte Coudert.
A memorial service is being planned for this summer. Burial will be at Wainscott Cemetery.
on Mar 4, 2016