Most Reverand Joseph McKinney

MCKINNEY - Most Reverend D.D., Auxillary Bishop Emeritus, of Grand Rapids, was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on September 10, 1928 to Joseph and Antoinette McKinney who preceded him in death along with his brother, David. The oldest of four children, he attended St. Mary elementary school and the former St. Joseph Seminary in Grand Rapids. He is survived by one brother, Rev Thomas A. McKinney, Grand Rapids, and his sister and brother-in-law, Mary Lu and Richard W. Pindar, nieces and nephews, Ann (Mathew) Gryczan, Julie (Robert) Wesholski, Richard (Mary T.) Pindar III, Amy (James) Morrissey, Mary Beth (Timothy) O'Rourke, Thomas (Kristen) Pindar; 21 grand nieces and nephews, and several cousins. After graduating high school from St. Joseph Seminary, Bishop McKinney was educated at the Seminaire de Philosophie in Montreal and received a licentiate in sacred theology from the Pontifical University of Propaganda Fide (Pontifical Urban University), Rome, in 1953. He was ordained to the priesthood on December 20, 1953 at the Chapel of Propoganda Fide. Following his priestly ordation he was appointed to the faculty of St. Joseph Seminary until 1962. From 1962-1968, then Father McKinney served parishes in Indian River, Mt. Pleasant and Conklin. Ordained a bishop in September 1968 by Most Reverend Allen J. Babcock, he was appointed bishop to the Titular See of Lentini and an auxillary bishop to the diocese. He was auxillary bishop under the late Bishop Joseph M. Breitenbeck and Bishop Robert J. Rose. Bishop McKinney retired as auxillary bishop in October 2001 while continuing to assist in liturgical ceremonies and in ways needed by the diocesan bishop. At the time of his retirement, Bishop McKinney said, "It has been my priviledge to live in the Diocese of Grand Rapids and to serve as its auxillary bishop for 33 years…This (diocese) is the greatest-what special bishops, priests and people! Praise God from whom all blessings flow." A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday 11:00 a.m. at St. Andrew's Cathedral, with visitation in church 2 hours prior to Mass. Bishop McKinney's family will receive visitors Sunday 3 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at St. Ann's Home, where a Vigil Service will be held Sunday at 7:30 p.m. His family will receive visitors Monday 2 to 9 p.m. at St. Andrew's Cathedral, where a Vigil Service will be held Monday at 7:30 p.m. Interment Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions to the Priest's Medical Fund, St. Ann's Home or a charity of one's choice will be appreciated. ARSULOWICZ BROTHERS MORTUARIES, INC www.arsulowiczbrothers.com