Christopher Francis McKinney

Christopher Francis McKinney, 52, was called unto The Kingdom of Heaven, on Christmas morning, December 25th, 2016. He passed suddenly and peacefully, in his home at Spring Oaks in Lanoka Harbor, N.J. surrounded by many caring friends. We believe this to be Gods will, and we believe that only extremely special people are called to be with Our Lord Jesus on Christmas Day.

Christopher is survived by his dear son Patrick, whom he was very proud of. He is also survived by his adoring father, John McKinney, and his father's dear companion, Marlene Graffin, both of Hackensack, his devoted siblings, brother Peter McKinney of Woodbridge, his sisters, Maureen Linkletter and her husband Bryan of Old Bridge, and Jacqueline D'Eletto and her husband Emil of Beach Haven, his loving nieces, Karina, Tessa, Kim and Krissy, his adoring nephews Robbie, Justin, Christian, Zachary and little Rob, his devoted Aunt Eleanor and Uncle Ozzy, his very special cousins, Maryellen, Kathleen, Kimberly, and Michael, his devoted friends Barbara Zirilli and Peter Ferandino, and an abundance of other close relatives, family and friends.

He was predeceased by his adoring mother, Marie (Maureen) McKinney(nee McGuire), his beloved Aunts Trudy, AnneMarie and Lorraine, his devoted Uncles Richard, Jimmy, and Mike, his Grandparents and numerous other loved family members and friends who have entered the Gates of Heaven before him.

Chris was raised in Saddle Brook and lived his adult life in Bergen, Monmouth, and Ocean Counties in New Jersey. He attended St. Philip the Apostle grade school, and learned many of his lifelong values of kindness, empathy, compassion, humility, generosity, gratitude, and his undying Faith in God while he was there. Christopher never needed many material things in life to be happy, and quite often wanted to share with others whatever he had.

He lived many of his adult years in Ocean Grove and Hackensack, and loved to walk down to Main Street and people watch and find someone to chat with. He loved people, and would talk to anyone, especially if he thought someone might be down, he loved to cheer people up. He believed everyone was equal, and would go out of his way to help those who were struggling. Chris always laughed very easily, and always loved to tell or hear a good joke. He loved attending Christian Church services, spending the day fishing at a lake or riding around on his bicycle. He also loved animals, nature, shopping, finding a bargain, any type of business venture, listening to music, and spending time with family and friends. His biggest regret in life always was not being able to spend more time with those he cared for. He was a wonderful son, and called his father almost every day of his adult life.

Chris worked many different jobs during his life. Some of his favorites were; Working on the ice cream truck in The Saddle River County Park, Working as an aide on a school bus for disabled children, And owning and operating a stand where he sold records inside the Convention Center in Asbury Park. Christopher loved people and loved to work and interact with others.

Christopher suffered many different health problems during his life, but rarely, if ever, questioned God or felt sorry for himself. He always remained strong and faithful and persevered. He was assisted with many of his health problems through the years by many, many, special, caring people, for which he and his family will always be extremely grateful.

To commemorate Christopher's' life, a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at Our Lady Queen of Peace Roman Catholic Church in Maywood, N.J. on Friday, December 30th, 2016 at 11:30 A.M. Please arrive early to sign condolence book, if possible. Funeral procession to the George Washington Memorial Park, in Paramus, and interment immediately following the mass.

In lieu of flowers, and in honor of Chris' life, his family asks that you treat all people with kindness, goodness, and generosity, whether they look and dress as you do or not, especially those whom you pass in your daily life that may be struggling. And please remember, "To the World you may be one person, but to one person you may be the World".

The arrangements were handled by the Thos L. Shinn Funeral Home, 10 Hilliard Dr., Manahawkin.

To leave online condolences for the family, please visit our website at www.shinnfuneralhome.com