Gene A. McKinney

Gene A. McKinney GATES - Passed peacefully on February 23, 2023 at age 80. Predeceased by his parents, Edward and Ann McKinney; wife, Sandra Woodard. He is survived by his children, Cheryl (Kevin) Vincent, John (Priscilla) McKinney, children's mother, Alice Estey; grandchildren, Joshua (Chelsey) Vincent, Savannah (Colten) Miller, Zachary Vincent, Shannon, Miles, Kilian, Solon, Mary Alice, and Luly Ann McKinney; step-children, Steve Woodard (Sarah), Greg Woodard (Erinne), step-grandchildren, Cameron, Katie, Liam, Quinn, Chris, Ryan, and Brayden Woodard; sister, Joanne Enright; nephew, Ronn Edwards. Visitation will be held on Tuesday February 28th 4-6 PM at the funeral home, 1411 Vintage Lane, Rochester NY 14626. Gene's celebration of life service will be held Wednesday 11AM at the funeral home. Interment at the convenience of the family. Memorials may be directed to the American Heart Association at PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692. Remembering Gene McKinney Gene McKinney was born September 29th, 1942 in Rochester, NY. He was the first-born son to Edward (born 1901) and Ann (Vandertang) McKinney (born 1909). On August 25th, 1945, his sister Joanne (McKinney) Enright was born, his lifelong best friend! Gene and Joanne lost their father at a young age, they were only 7 and 3 in 1950 when Ed passed from Leukemia at the age of 49. As Gene grew older, he took on more responsibilities; part time jobs such as a dishwasher at Carl's on Ridge Road as well as household chores for his mom. Gene also stepped in as a father figure to his younger sister Joanne. Gene was a protective big brother, he used to walk Joanne to school and taught her how to ride a bike. Their beloved Mom passed away in 1998 at the age of 89 after a long stay at Park Ridge Nursing home after she suffered a stroke approximately 17 years previous. Often, if not weekly, Gene would pick up his Mom on Sunday mornings for church and then bring her home to visit after. Gene grew up in Gates, NY on Normandale drive, he attended Thomas Edison Elementary school and later went to Gates-Chili High School where he graduated in 1961 and was the first graduating class for the high school. After High School, Gene went to work for Eastman Kodak where he spent the next 30 years dedicated to his career, where he worked as a lab technician. During his tenure, he was awarded for a process improvement that he suggested, which was also implemented by Kodak. Shortly after he started working at Kodak, in 1964, Gene joined the Army Reserves, and he completed basic training at Fort Dix in New Jersey. In April of 1968 (met in 1965), Gene married Alice Rowell from Hamlin, NY. 3 years later, their first child was born, Cheryl (McKinney) Vincent in May of 1971. 7 years later in December of 1978, they welcomed their 2nd child, John McKinney. Gene and family were active members of Gates Presbyterian church. Sister Joanne and her son Ronn, Gene's nephew were always a large part of our family growing up. During the 80's and 90's, Gene and family spent many summer vacations renting cottages in Quebec Canada as well as the Finger Lakes (Conesus and Honeoye Lakes) - spending time fishing, water skiing and boating. They also took many trips to Florida throughout the years together as a family and other vacations with family friends as well. Gene retired from Kodak in 1991 at age 49. Soon thereafter he joined Medical Motors, providing transportation for people with disabilities. He worked there for about 15 years. Later in life, he met Sandra Woodard, who Gene married in 2007. Gene and Sandy later moved to Webster together. Gene and Sandy enjoyed being snowbirds, visiting Florida for many years during January to April. They rented condos in the New Port Richey area where they met new friends. They enjoyed swimming, playing cards, martinis and hanging out! During their visit they were able to visit with Cheryl, Kevin and family, enjoying time with them and the grandkids, Josh, Savannah and Zachary. During their retirement years, Gene and Sandy also traveled to Seattle spending time with John, Priscilla and grandkids. Gene and Sandy also enjoyed spending time with Sandy's sons and daughter in laws; Steve and Sarah, Greg and Erinne and their children. They enjoyed going to the grandkid's basketball and baseball games.