John Kinnarney

SOUTH ROYALTON — John Royal Kinnarney, 81, died Monday, Dec. 11, 2006, at Brookside Health & Rehabilitation in White River Junction, after a period of failing health.

He was born October 28, 1925, in Hartford, Conn., the son of Harry and Mary Kinnarney. He attended school in Hartford and, at the age of 16, joined the U.S. Navy. He served in the Pacific Theater during World War II, before being discharged in 1947.

On March 2, 1956, he married Georgianna B. Patten of Newport. They lived in Connecticut until 1972, when they moved to North Tunbridge. In 1985, they moved to South Royalton, where he lived until moving to Brookside Health & Rehabilitation facility this summer.

While in Connecticut, he worked for Winchester Arms in New Haven and also as an auto mechanic. After moving to Vermont, he worked a short time for the State of Vermont Highway Department, before retiring.

He was a member of the V.F.W. Post #2571 in White River Jct., and a life member of the Disabled American Veterans. He loved country music, going to the Foxwoods Casino, watching football on TV and going out to breakfast with his wife.

Survivors include his wife of South Royalton; two sons, John Kinnarney of Tunbridge and James Kinnarney of South Royalton; a daughter, Mary McShinsky of South Royalton; a step-daughter, Arlene Lauria of New Haven, Conn.; local grandchildren: Jamie, Joey, Jennifer and Jake Kinnarney and Nathan and Tyler McShinsky, all of South Royalton; Erin, Ian and Molly Kinnarney of Tunbridge, as well as four grandchildren in Connecticut; and seven great-grandchildren, also in Connecticut.

Calling hours were held Wednesday, Dec. 13, at the Boardway & Cilley Funeral Home on Main Street in Chelsea. A funeral service will take place Thursday, Dec. 14, at 2 p.m. at the Congregational Church of Royalton, with Pastor Millie Reynolds officiating. Burial will be at the Branch View Cemetery in South Royalton with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Brookside Activity Fund, 1200 Christian Street, White River Jct., Vt., 05001.

____________