Bernard P. McKinley

Bernard P. Mc Kinley, age 78, of Newark, DE passed away on Thursday, February 15, 2018 surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Wilmington on October 24, 1939, to the late Charles J. and Helen Cunningham McKinley. He was a graduate of Salesianum High School and was retired from Westvaco after 40 years of service. Bernie was a member of Saint John’s-Holy Angels Parish in Newark for over 54 years. He was also a life-long member of Stapler Athletic Association and enjoyed marching in Wilmington’s annual Saint Patrick’s Day Parade. He looked forward to summer vacations with his family at Bethany Beach. His children and grandchildren loved their annual crabbing lessons on Assawoman Bay. A die-hard Eagles fan, he is truly smiling on his Super Bowl Champions. He was also an avid Phillies, Flyers and Notre Dame football fan. A kind and gentle man, Bernie treasured his family and never missed a sporting event or any special family occasion.

He was predeceased by his parents and his brothers, Lawrence and Francis M. McKinley. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Margaret (Peggy) McKinley; his children, Kathleen Smith, Maryann Eastep and her husband, Jeff, Brian P. McKinley and his wife, Jennifer and Karen Grivner and her husband, Geoff; his ten grandchildren, Courtney and Connor Eastep, Amanda and Matthew Smith, Declan, Clare and Brigid McKinley, Grace, Zachary and Drew Grivner and his brother, Charles J. McKinley, Jr.

The family would like to thank Dr. James Ellison of the Swank Memory Center, the caring staff at The Evergreen Center and the Heartland Hospice House for their love and kindness toward Bernie.

A viewing will be held on Wednesday, February 21 from 5-7 pm at the Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Rd., Pike Creek. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, February 22 at 11:30 am at Saint John’s-Holy Angels Church, 82 Possum Park Rd., Newark. Burial will follow in All Saints Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions in Bernie’s memory to Saint Mark’s High School, 2501 Pike Creek Road, Wilmington, DE 19808 or the Lewy Body Dementia Association, Inc. 912 Killian Hill Road S.W., Lilburn, GA 30047   https://www.lbda.org/donate

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