Eric Louis McKinnies' Obituary
Eric Louis McKinnies, 73, passed away on May 28, 2025, in Atlantis, Florida. A vibrant soul with a zest for life, Eric's journey was marked by adventure, service, and deep devotion to his family and friends.
Born on November 1, 1951, in Spartanburg, South Carolina, Eric experienced a unique and worldly childhood thanks to his father’s Navy career. His early years were spent living across the globe—in Cuba, Port Lyautey in Kenitra, Morocco, and most memorably in Rota, Spain, where the McKinnies family lived from 1959 to 1967. These formative years instilled in Eric a lifelong love of travel and storytelling. In the spring of 1967, the family relocated to Matawan, New Jersey, where Eric graduated high school in 1970.
Following graduation, Eric proudly served in the United States Navy from 1971 to 1975 before continuing his commitment to service in the Naval Reserve until 1977. He later pursued higher education at St. Leo University, earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminology as part of the class of 1981.
Eric dedicated his professional life to justice and public service as a Principal Defense Investigator for the New Jersey Public Defender's Office. His career spanned decades until his retirement in 2013—a milestone that marked the beginning of a new chapter filled with sunshine and sea breezes in Florida.
Retirement suited Eric well. He embraced every moment outdoors—boating under blue skies, traveling to new destinations, and indulging his culinary curiosity by sampling calamari at every opportunity. He was never happier than when he was outside, which made Florida’s warm climate the perfect place for him to call home.
Eric had an infectious laugh and a gift for storytelling (in multiple languages at that) that could light up any room. He built a backyard tiki bar—affectionately known as “Eric’s Oasis”—where he hosted unforgettable summer luaus for friends and loved ones. Watching Eagles games at Chickie’s and Pete’s with his best friends was another cherished tradition that brought him immense joy.
Family was at the heart of everything Eric did. He found profound happiness watching his daughters grow into strong women and was deeply honored to walk each of them down the aisle. He often said how lucky he felt that Julia and Jamie had chosen partners he admired and respected—Mike Morales and Mel Jackman—whom he proudly called sons-in-law.
Eric shared a loving bond with his fiancée Judy Bisceglia. Together they created beautiful memories in Long Beach Island (LBI), savoring quiet moments by the water and enjoying each other’s company.
He is also remembered with love by his brother Marc McKinnies and sister-in-law Annette McKinnies; as well as by his beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
Eric was predeceased by his mother Lucienne McKinnies (née Paganucci), father Billy McKinnies, and sister Michele McKinnies.
In a poetic turn of fate, Eric spent the final week of his life back in Rota, Spain—the place he held so dear—reconnecting with childhood friends he hadn’t seen in decades. That reunion was filled with laughter, stories, and joy; it was a beautiful send-off that captured the spirit of who Eric was: joyful, adventurous, and surrounded by friends he considered family.
May Eric Louis McKinnies be remembered for his warmth, humor, generosity of spirit, and unwavering love for those around him. His memory will continue to bring comfort and smiles to all who knew him.
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