Michael Davlin McKinley, 60, died Saturday morning, September 29 after a short illness. Born in Lowell, October 2, 1946 he was the son of the late William and Eileen (Davlin) McKinley.
Michael was a graduate of the University of Massachusetts where he majored in government. He enrolled in ROTC and enlisted in the army. He served as a helicopter pilot in the 238th AER WPNS Co. in Vietnam.
As a young man he served as an altar boy at Saint Michael's church in Lowell.
He worked at Verizon Communications for 35 years, the last several years as a product manger.
He was known for his ability to tell a story and write humorous prose. He had a love of and gift for music.
He was a supporter of autism research and treatment. He also strongly believed in supporting individual enlisted men who serve in conflict.
He is survived by his wife Cynthia A. McKinley and daughter, Katherine (Kate) A. McKinley; a brother, Reverend Terence McKinley and his wife Pamela McKinley and several nieces and nephews; Richard McKinley, Todd McKinley, Deborah Goodie, Mathew McKinley, Diana Katovitch, Kathleen Belanger, Brion McKinley and Kathleen Noonan, . He was the brother of the late Brion McKinley, Kathleen McKinley, Eileen Tibbetts and Maura McKinley.