Carolyn Ann (“Kay”) McKinley, 105, a lifelong Tinton Falls resident, passed away Aug. 9, 2024, at Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank. She was born April 17, 1919, in Jersey City to Nicholas and Carmela DeTuro, grew up in Keansburg, and attended Red Bank Catholic.
Kay was a homemaker and was employed as a secretary at Ft. Monmouth and later, for local accountants. She enjoyed ceramics and bowling and was a longtime communicant of St. Dorothea’s Church in Eatontown.
She was a wonderful mother to her two boys, was a Cub Scout den mother and took part in many school and church activities. She was an avid fan of the New York Yankees and Villanova basketball.
Kay’s most cherished times were spent with her family, neighbors and friends with whom she shared a mutual love. She loved entertaining and hosting parties for them. Parties always included beautiful seasonal décor, delicious meals (with her traditional cherry cheesecake), music (especially Frank Sinatra), pull-out gifts and rub-off lottery cards, games, prizes and laughter. She always welcomed a game of Bingo or Scrabble, or a day at the casino playing slots.
Kay had a kind, sweet, and loving heart and was always eager to help anybody in any way she could.
She was predeceased by her parents, Nicholas and Carmela DeTuro, sisters, Marie, Rose, Loretta, Betty and Agnes, and her beloved husband of 62 years, Robert Jr.
She is survived by her sons, James of Florida and Robert III of Maryland, three grandchildren, one great-grandchild, six nephews and two nieces and their families.
A memorial gathering will be held at 10 a.m. Aug. 24 at the John E. Day Funeral Home, 85 Riverside Ave., Red Bank, with a service at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Middletown.
Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made in Carolyn’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org/get-involved-now/donate.
The article originally appeared in the August 22 – 28, 2024 print edition of The Two River Times.
