John Hollmer Kinney

John Hollmer Kinney passed away peacefully while surrounded by family on June 23, 2025 at the age of 88. He leaves behind his four children, eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jeanine Alyce Kinney (Steinmetz), and brother, Michael Randall Kinney.

John was born in Chicago, IL on May 6, 1937 to Hollmer Sylvester Kinney and Glenellyn Kinney (Brummerstedt). He graduated from Morgan Park High School in 1955 and met the love of his life, Jeanine, while attending Purdue University where he studied engineering. They married in 1959 and started their family in Lombard, IL, that grew to four children by 1971. Following in his father’s footsteps, he worked for major insurance companies, Tower Life and Metropolitan Life, in Chicago. While on a business trip to Miami in the early 1960’s, he and his wife fell in love with the quaint town of Vero Beach, FL. Winter weary and yearning for a less hectic pace from corporate life, he followed his dreams and relocated his family to that idyllic town of Vero Beach in 1976. There he ran a jewelry business, sold real estate, and was a stock broker before returning to his roots in insurance, owning and operating Combs Insurance Agency for the remainder of his career.

He will be remembered most for his engaging and affable personality, keen wit and love of family. You were guaranteed lots of laughter if you were in his presence as well as a humorous birthday card. He was a man of principle who quietly led by example. The examples he set for his family are numerous, but the one they are especially proud of was the devotion and compassion he demonstrated in caring for Jeanine during her final years. This experience inspired him to become a Hospice volunteer after her passing and many more went on to benefit from his special touch. His good examples are an enduring gift to his family.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the wonderful staff at Indian River Estates over the past 10 years. They are especially thankful for the caregivers at Indian River Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) Home Care and Hospice team for their compassionate care of John and his family during his final days. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to For The Love Of Paws who lovingly adopted and continue to care for his beloved cat, Murphy, at https://www.pawspetsanctuary.com and VNA & Hospice Foundation at https://foundation.vnatc.com/donate-now. These two organizations provide invaluable support and services to senior residents of Indian River County.

Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.