Andrew McKenna Obituary

Despite never serving as the CEO of a sizable corporation, Andrew J. McKenna was one of Chicago’s most important business figures of his time. He passed away on February 7, 2023, at his home on the North Shore, according to lifelong friend Newton Minow.

Andrew McKenna Obituary

American businessman Andrew James McKenna Sr. (September 17, 1929 – February 7, 2023) served as McDonald’s chairman emeritus from 2016 until his passing. Prior to that, he served as chairman from 2004 to 2016 and as a director from 1991.

McKenna was born on September 17, 1929, in Chicago, Illinois. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and marketing from the University of Notre Dame before going on to the DePaul University College of Law to earn a doctorate in jurisprudence.

From 2004 through 2016, McKenna served as McDonald’s chairman. The Chicago Bears, Aon, and Skyline Corporation all have him on their boards of directors. 19.7% of the Chicago Bears are owned by Patrick Ryan, the chairman of Aon, and McKenna.

On June 20, 1953, McKenna wed Mary Joan Pickett; their children were five daughters and two sons. The former Illinois Republican Party chairman is his son, Andrew J. McKenna Jr.

McKenna passed away on February 7, 2023, in North Shore, Illinois, at the age of 93.

In 2000, the Governor of Illinois recognized Andrew J. McKenna for his contributions to social services by inducting him as a laureate of The Lincoln Academy of Illinois and bestowing upon him the Order of Lincoln, the State’s highest honor.