Joseph Thomas "Tommy" McKinley

Joseph Thomas "Tom" McKinley, age 65, of Temple Terrace, Florida passed away on Sunday, August 28, 2022, after being stricken ill. Tom (called ‘Tommy” by his family) was born February 24, 1957, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the son of Marlene Marie (Mildner) and William Thomas McKinley.

Tom graduated from Reading Memorial High School and subsequently completed his undergraduate and graduate education in Mathematics at the University of South Florida. He was a genius in mathematics and electrical engineering; he has numerous publications based on his research in complex mathematics (https://www.researchgate.net/scientific-contributions/Tom-McKinley-2002455209). He also was a superb, highly sought-after teacher and was beloved by his students.

Tom was also an accomplished pianist and performed in the late 1970s with many prominent jazz and rock musicians including guitarist Mike Stern and The Joe Perry Project. Besides music, his interests included cars, model rockets and science, especially astronomy. At his core, Tom was a loving, thoughtful, humble and humorous soul. He loved nothing more than spending time with his family and friends, drinking coffee or visiting the local Denny’s or nearest café.

Tommy was preceded in death by his father, William Thomas McKinley, and brother, Jory Damon McKinley. Survivors include his mother, Marlene Marie McKinley; brothers, Derrick Scott McKinley and wife, Yvonne, Gregory Sean McKinley, and Elliott Miles McKinley and wife, Handan; six nephews and six nieces. He is also survived by a host of loving family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tom's memory to the University of South Florida, Department of Mathematics Scholarship Fund: https://giving.usf.edu/online/gift/f/420670/

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.blountcurryterraceoaks.com.