Obituary of John B. Kinnirey, Jr.

John B. Kinnirey, Jr., 70 often known as “Red,” Passed away at his home after a long illness. He was the grandson of Patrick and Daisy Kinnirey; Patrick worked for the A & P and was known to many because of his occupation as a purveyor of Coffee and Tea from a horse-drawn cart throughout downtown Middletown in the early 1900’s. He was the only nephew of Margaret Kinnirey, who taught languages in Middletown for over 40 years; Joseph, a Middletown plumber; Frank, an insurance executive in Hartford, and Sister Ann Helen, Dean of Women at Trinity College in Washington, DC. He was the son of John B. Kinnirey, Sr., who died in 1965, and Gertrude Steffens Kinnirey, who died in 1999. Born on July 9, 1945, John grew up in Cromwell, moving to Portland in 1954 at the age of 9 where he attended school. At age 10 he joined the 4-H Club that introduced him to all things relating to farming. As a result he began a life-long interest in farming, beginning his agricultural hobby as a youth by helping out local farmers with haying and caring for farm animals. He and his sister borrowed a nearby barn and field from a neighbor to raise Black Angus steers which he showed in the Durham and 4-H fair in the late 1950’s. He finished his high school career in 1964 and began working for the town of Portland. He was an avid member of the Portland Fire Department for many years, he later worked at Xavier High School in his middle career, and retired in 2004 from Fleet Pride Trucking. He was devoted to his Collies and especially his last canine companion, Heidi, a joyful Sheltie. He had a hearty laugh, and was frequently brought to tears by stories of friends’ hardships. He enjoyed traveling and attending local and New England state fairs, and visiting friends. John was a communicant of St. John’s Church in Middletown. He is survived by his loving sister, Barbara Ann Caparulo, of Putnam, CT. Services are private.