Obituary of Phyllis MacKinney

Phyllis Ellen MacKinney, passed away peacefully on Wednesday October 25, 2023 at home, into the arms of the Lord, surrounded by her loving family.

Grammy, as she was affectionately called, was born in Highland Park, NJ on November 17, 1935 to Ella Hart and Philip A. Kehoe. She was so proud of her Irish heritage, her father born in County Wexford, coming to the United State as an infant. She and her older sister, Marrie (Jim Walsh, d.2023), had many friendships and memories from their childhood on Felton Avenue. After graduating from Highland Park High School, she attended Newark Secretarial School. She and Bob were married at St. Paul’s Church and their earliest years together were spent in San Diego, California, where Bob served as an electrician in the Navy. Phyllis was a partner to Bob in their family business, MacKinney Oil Company in Highland Park. 

Grammy was a strong woman who raised six successful children in Highland Park and Bridgewater, NJ and had many adventures with friends and family. She enjoyed playing bridge, gardening, and spending time at the family cabin on the Delaware River.  Her treasured paintings hang in the homes of her children. Phyllis had lifelong friendships with women who supported one another through all that life threw their way.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 69 years, Robert ‘Bob” MacKinney IV, along with their children Patti (Michael Lancto), Bob (Cindy), Philip (Adrienne Nicotera), Beth (Karl Hauschild), Michael (Jeannine), and Kristin (Erik Herman). She will also be greatly missed by her grandchildren, PJ (Hailey), Ashley (Colin), Megan (Chris), Bobby (Clare), Mickey, Kevin (Alexa), Matthew, Brian, Eric, Sean, Danny, Sam, Kelly and Katie, and great-grandchildren, Colton, Kiera, Mia, Philip, and Chloe.

Services are under the direction of Selover Funeral Home, North Brunswick.  Due to renovations, VISITING WILL BE HELD AT GLEASON FUNERAL HOME, 1360 HAMILTON STREET IN SOMERSET on Thursday November 2, 2023 from 6-8 PM.  Services will begin on Friday November 3, 2023 at 9 AM at Gleason Funeral Home followed by a 10 AM funeral mass at Blessed Sacrament R.C. Church in Martinsville.   Graveside services will follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery in New Brunswick.   Contributions in Mrs. MacKinney’s name may be made to the Upper Delaware Council at www.upperdelawarecouncil.org