John M. McKinney

John Merriman McKinney, age 90, passed away on February 24, 2025 at Beth Israel Needham. He was the son of the late Dr. Harold N. McKinney and Anna (Roach) McKinney, and was predeceased by his siblings Elizabeth and Carole McKinney, Virginia Gonzalez, Harold, William and Robert McKinney and his grandson, Michael Downey. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Jean (Gucker) Mckinney, siblings Geraldine and Richard McKinney. He is also survived by his children, William D. McKinney, Jean E. (Downey) Houghton, and Anna F. Condry of Dedham, J. Alex McKinney of Canton and Laurence E. McKinney of Dedham; grandchildren Maxwell, Gabrielle, Corinne, Mark Jr., Samuel, Ross, Charlie, Aiya, Caira, Macy & Colin.

He graduated in 1953 from St. Sebastian’s and spent 4 years in the Air Force during the Korean War. He is an alumnus of William & Mary College. He spent many years at Metropolitan Life before becoming a seller of conservative and religious books, eventually buying O’Connors Religious Goods in Roxbury, and opening a second store in Charlestown as McKinney Bros. He was a member of the Easter Church Goods and the National Church Goods Association. He was also a general manager of the Annual New England Rally for God, Family and Country on Boston for many years.

When he retired, he became the beloved “PAPA” to his many grandchildren. He was very proud of his service in the Air Force, loyal to his roots at St. Sebastian’s. Above all, he loved spending time cooking for family, especially at our second home in Chocorua, New Hampshire.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

Church of the Good Shepherd, 62 Cedar Street, Dedham, MA 02026

or to

Chocorua Lake Conservancy, PO Box 105, Chocorua, NH 03817

Service will be at 11AM on Saturday, March 8th, 2025 at the Church of the Good Shepherd, 62 Cedar Street, Dedham, MA 02026 with a reception immediately following in the church hall. The burial will be private.