Funeral for fallen RI soldier held Monday

By News Staff

news@abc6.com

The funeral mass for a soldier who was killed in Afghanistan earlier this month was held Monday

The funeral for 1st Sgt. Peter A McKenna Jr.took place at St. Mary's of the Bay Church. The burial, with full military honors, followed at St. Mary's Cemetery in Bristol.

Hundreds gathered in Warren Sunday evening to pay their respects to fallen Bristol soldier First Sgt. McKenna. A wake was held from 3- 8 at St. Mary’s of the Bay Church.

The long line of people was a tribute to the Green Beret who served so bravely. Some who came out knew Sgt. McKenna well. Other’s didn’t know her personally, but felt compelled to give their condolences to his family. Mourners offered their deepest sympathies and showed support for the local war hero who died for his country.

"Great family, respected family. They're here to pay their respects to their son and to a hero. I consider him a hero. He died so this country can do what we're doing today,” said Chief Alexander Galinelli of the Warren Fire Department.

McKenna, of Bristol, Rhode Island, was 35-years-old.

© WLNE-TV 2015