Ronald Franklin Kinney

Ronald Franklin Kinney, 82, passed away peacefully at home in St. Joseph on Monday, Dec. 9, 2013. Born July 17, 1931, in Benton Harbor, Mr. Kinney had a long and extraordinarily full life. A graduate of St. John’s Catholic High School in Benton Harbor and John Carroll University in Cleveland, he served in the U.S. Navy for two years, achieving the rank of lieutenant (j.g.) in the Naval Supply Corps. Proud son of John J. and Magdalene M. Kinney, and following in a long line of local entrepreneurs that began with his great-grandfather, Patrick M. Kinney, Mr. Kinney achieved remarkable success as the founder of All-Phase Electric Supply Co., Inc. He was featured three times on the cover of the industry’s leading trade publication, and was a recipient of the National Association of Electrical Distributors’ “Distinguished Service Award.” He was recognized with a special tribute from the Michigan Senate in 1991, honoring his “hard work, sterling character and entrepreneurial spirit.” He was thrilled to have been chosen as the Lake Michigan Catholic “Laker of the Year” in May 2013. Mr. Kinney was an active volunteer in the community, having been a longtime member of the Benton Harbor Elks and Twin Cities Rotary Club. He was also on the YMCA board, a trustee of Olivet College and a member of the Inter-City Bank board of directors for more than 30 years. He contributed generously to many philanthropic endeavors nationally and in the local community, but his favorite effort, perhaps, was the restoration of the Firemen’s Monument on the bluff in St. Joseph. Mr. Kinney was a devoted husband and a loving, generous father and grandfather. He was a devout member of first St. John’s, then St. Joseph Catholic Church. He loved the sun and sunsets, and was a passionate fan of professional football and the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. His life’s greatest tragedy is now a source of profound joy, as his son, Ronald F. Kinney Jr., who died in 1997, greets him at the Gates of Heaven. Mr. Kinney was surrounded by love his entire life. His memory will forever be cherished in the hearts of his wife of more than 60 years, Eva; his five surviving children: Lisa Kinney Hoover (Todd), Marla Kinney, Richard Kinney (Françoise), Stephen Kinney (Susan) and Maureen Kinney (Scott Hicks); and his 11 grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Jack Kinney, and was preceded in death by his other brother, Patrick Kinney. He also leaves behind his beloved sister-in-law, Joanne Portaro; his longtime personal assistant, Peg Harmon; his nurse-assistant, Julie Stephen; and an exceptional team of caregivers. Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph (online memory book at starks-menchinger.com), followed by a prayer service at 6 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Joseph. Burial will follow in Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lake Michigan Catholic Monsignor Sears Scholarship Fund, Birthright of St. Joseph and Hospice At Home (Lakeland HealthCare Affiliate).