Robert Barker McKiniry

1925 - 2017

MCKINIRY Robert Barker McKiniry, 91, passed away peacefully on September 13, 2017 in Jacksonville, Florida. Bob was born in Portland, Maine to parents John C. and Ida F. McKiniry. Bob was married to Valerie LaFlamme in Waterville, Maine where they resided until moving to Jacksonville in 1952. Bob served in the US Navy from 1943-1947 and was in the Naval Reserves until 1954. As a Gunners Mate, Second Class he was awarded the WWII Victory Medal. He was on 17 convoys crossing the Atlantic Ocean to England and involved in the Philippine Liberation and other areas of the Pacific. Bob was a proud member of the Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 234. He was a highly skilled steamfitter and instructed union apprentices for 24 years. Affectionately known to all as Yankee Bob. In addition to his parents, Bob is preceded in death by his wife Val and brother, John McKiniry, Jr. He is survived by his son, Paul McKiniry and his wife Cath Lee McKiniry; sister, Ida Louise Farabee; Nieces, Susan Spangenberg and her husband Keith, Laurie Fourier. Grand Bob is also survived by Joseph F. Sugden and family. A funeral service will be held on Monday, September 18, 2017 at 11:00am at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, Beaches Chapel with burial to follow in H. Warren Smith Cemetery. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donation can be made to Northeast Florida Community Hospice 4266 Sunbeam Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32257. The McKiniry family wishes to thank the staff of Clairbridge at Brookdale Southside for their steadfast & loving care.