Peter Kinney

Peter Anthony Kinney passed away, as he wished, peacefully at home. Born on November 26,1935 and raised in Naugatuck, CT, he graduated from the University of Vermont, where he had the unique pleasure of driving poet Robert Frost from the train station to give a lecture at UVM. He began his teaching career in 1957 at Holyoke High School, where he taught until his retirement in 1994. He was recognized for his dedication to speech and debate as well as theater. In 2002, he was inducted into the Massachusetts Speech and Debate League Hall of Fame, underscoring his impact on the field. Through the years, he directed high school and local community theater productions in Holyoke, Westfield, Northampton, and Springfield. He often reminisced about the wonderful and very successful and not-so-successful students that he truly enjoyed having taught. He often gave a funny smile when someone would mention the two versions of the old television movie, High School USA, written by a former student who made him the principal of the school - the first version played by Tony Dow and the second by Ricky Nelson. He was always quietly humbled by the kind accolades his former students gave him. Peter was a strong believer in the quality education provided to Holyoke High School students and that every student should take a speech course and that all high schools should have a debate club.

For Holyoke's Centennial Celebration, Peter co-wrote, co-produced and co-directed the pageant Love Holyoke. He was thrilled to attend Holyoke's 150th Gala in 2023. Throughout his retirement, Peter enjoyed chatting about the Red Sox with his good friend and former student, David Herder, cruising and traveling through Europe including Iceland and his three favorite islands, Bermuda, Great Britain and Ireland. He loved local theatre especially the Chester Theatre, Broadway and London's West End. He especially loved watching movies and going out to dinner with friends, golfing with the "Wild Geese" (so proud of his hole in one) and the winter bowling league.

Peter leaves behind his partner, Jean Jonker, of almost 45 years, and his 5 children, daughter, Kathleen Kinney (husband Elton Jones and grandchildren Caitlyn and Myhria and great grandchildren, Lillith, Malaki, and Madelyn), daughter Mary Lisa Kinney, son Peter Michael Kinney, daughter Michelle Cadigan (grandsons Damian and Nolan), daughter Sionan (grandchildren Lydia and Logan) and his brother Edward Braca (wife Louise) and several nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his fur baby, ZippyChippy who never left his side. Peter was predeceased by his parents Margaret (Shortt) and Peter James Kinney of Naugatuck, CT, his sister, Maryanne Braca Keegan and his beloved fur babies, Wolfie, Lucky, Lindy, and Zoe.

We are deeply grateful to the dedicated staff at Beacon Hospice for the loving, respectful and compassionate care they provided. Their gentle presence was a blessing during Peter's final journey. He is now directing his final theatrical production with a cast of beautiful angels.

As Peter wished, all funeral arrangements will be private. In honor of Peter, memorial contributions may be made to Beacon Hospice Care.