Keith J. "Skeeter" Kinahan's Obituary
Keith J. “Skeeter” Kinahan, of Liverpool, NY, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on June 26, 2023 thanks to the support of Hospice after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Syracuse, son of the late J. James and Mildred (Gailey) Kinahan. Skeeter graduated from Hussian School of Art in Philadelphia. He was a U.S. Navy veteran, serving 2 tours in Vietnam as Petty Officer 3rd Class Yeoman on the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42) and USS Lake Champlain (CVS 39). While on USS Lake Champlain, he had the honor to design the “Welcome Back Champs” cake upon the return of the astronauts on Gemini V.
Skeeter worked 30+ years as a sales consultant in the printing industry. In 1986 he started his own consulting business, Kinahan Associates, and proudly passed the company name to his daughter Kelly and supported her efforts. Skeeter was a 54-year member of the American Legion Raymond Faulkner Cook Post 858. He was a volunteer member of O.N.E. (Irish Veterans Organization) in Ireland for 15 years. Skeeter loved traveling, especially to Ireland where he sailed on lakes, rivers and canals. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, softball, golf and broomball. He was the founder of Skeeters Annual Walleye Tournament for 25+ years on the St. Lawrence River in Canada and Oneida Lake. Skeeter also enjoyed art, playing guitar, singing, dancing, cooking, darts and most importantly loved spending time with family and friends at home and abroad.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by two sisters, Barbara Gray and Gail Placito.
Skeeter is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Carol (Hudzina) Kinahan; two children, Kelly Ann Kinahan (Chuck Lopacki) and Stacey Mort (Erik); three grandchildren, Alyssa Kinahan-Dundas, Anthony Dundas and Angeleena Gray; siblings, Steve (Vicki) Kinahan, Rennie (Vinnie) Rinaldo and Debbie (Jeff) Curran; his brother-in-law, John (Connie) Hudzina, along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Calling hours will take place from 12:00 – 3:00 P.M. on Sunday, July 2, 2023, at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Rd. (Corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse, NY. A funeral Mass in celebration of Skeeter’s life will be held at 9:30 A.M. on Monday, July 3, 2023, at Sacred Heart Church 8229 Brewerton Rd., Cicero, NY. He will be laid to rest at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Clear Path for Veterans, 1223 Salt Springs Rd., Chittenango, NY 13037.
What’s your fondest memory of Keith?
What’s a lesson you learned from Keith?
Share a story where Keith's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Keith you’ll never forget.
How did Keith make you smile?
