Kathleen Kinney

There will never be another Kay Kinney. That statement may lead some to breathe a sigh of relief, but to those who knew and loved her, Kay - who died Friday, June 5th after an ongoing illness - is irreplaceable.

Born June 13, 1935 in Cleveland, Kathleen Kinney was the younger daughter of Jack and Vernice (Rademaker) Leffler. Her outlandish personality - inherited from her father - consisted of being fun-loving, outspoken, and stunningly irreverent. Kay, as her father had, kept family and friends in stitches - and usually wondering what on earth she could possibly say next.

Kay and her late husband, Chuck, were parents to five - James (Missy), Karen Avallone (the late John), Danny (Marsha), Lynne Watkins (the late David), and Janet Bagatti (Joe). Her five grandchildren included Collin Rossi (Kayla), Shannon Kinney, Connor Kinney, Samantha Bagatti and Brett Bagatti. Kay was also great-grandmother to four. She was sister to the late Norma Dooley and aunt to Carolyn Dooley. Additionally, Kay was cousin and friend to many.

Private services were handled by A. Ripepi & Sons Funeral Home. To those who may be so inclined, some family members suggest raising a glass of Tito’s in Kay’s honor. She has a bottle with her now, and she is taking it to that big casino in the sky.