Robert Kinnecom Sr.

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Captain Robert Earle Kinnecom Sr. died on April 22, 2017, at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, following a long illness, surrounded by his family.

He was born on May 20, 1931, in Newport, R.I., the son of Chief Warrant Officer Harold E. Kinnecom and Catherine (Callanan). As a toddler, he moved to Martha’s Vineyard, where his father was the chief at the U.S. Coast Guard Station Gay Head. The Kinnecom family resided in Tisbury, where Captain Bob attended school and was a loyal member of the Daggett Avenue gang.

Bob was a proud veteran of the United States Coast Guard, having served at Station Gay Head when it was on top of the Cliffs. He was one of two of the last surviving crew members who had served at Gay Head, as the station officially closed in 1954 after the Cuttyhunk Station replaced it, having been floated over to Menemsha in August 1952. His friend Norman Deakin is now the last remaining member of the crew that served at Station Gay Head. Bob also served at the station when it opened at Menemsha, as well as serving aboard the Coast Guard cutter Bibb and the cutter Sole. Bob was a great historian of military history, and graciously donated his photographs and memorabilia to Station Menemsha.

Bob and the love of his life, Ernestine Marie Rose, were married on June 7, 1952. They were the parents of Cheryl, Jo Ann, Roberta, Barbara, and Robert II.

He worked for many years at the Martha’s Vineyard Shipyard, where he was a rigger. While working at the shipyard, he served as the assistant harbormaster for the town of Tisbury as well. He then went to work for Burt’s Boatyard for a few years, following which Bob and Ernestine purchased Marlene’s Taxi, which they operated for more than 20 years from their home. They were the head distributors of the Boston Globe on the Vineyard for 25 years for Doyle News Agency, and upon their retirement they received a brass clock.

In retirement, Captain Bob and Ernestine started a computerized embroidery business, Island Design, creating hats, jackets, linens, canvas bags, and shirts for the local police and fire departments, emergency medical technicians and paramedics, and sports teams, as well as many Vineyard businesses. They generously donated their embroidered work to many charitable causes across the Vineyard.

He was a historian of Vineyard lore and enjoyed sharing his knowledge with all who would spend hours listening.

Captain Bob is survived by his beloved wife Ernestine, and their children Cheryl and her husband James Cullinan of Florida, Jo Ann Murphy and her husband Brian of Tisbury, Roberta Evans of Mashpee, Barbara Connell of North Carolina, and Robert and his wife Rosemary of Plymouth. He is survived by his grandchildren David Reynolds, Ashley Cullinan, Kim Burke and her husband James, Patrick Murphy and his wife Chelsea, Amanda Murphy, and Jeremy Evans and his wife Kerry. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren Christopher Reynolds, Christian Evans, Benjamin Evans, Bianca Teano, Peyton Tennent, Taija Roberts, and Jaeonia Kirkland. Bob was predeceased by his in-laws Joseph Rose and Alice Martin Rose, by his siblings John, Helen, and Everett Kinnecom, and by his granddaughter Alison Reynolds. He is survived by his brothers-in-law Stephen Rose and his wife Kathy of Edgartown, and Ronald Rose of Tisbury, and their families, as well as by his sister-in-law Jacqueline Viera Kinnecom. He is survived by many nieces and nephews.

Services will be held on Thursday, April 27, at 11 am at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Oak Bluffs, under the direction of Chapman, Cole, and Gleason Funeral Services. Full military honors will be offered by the veterans of Martha’s Vineyard. Following the graveside service, officiated by the Rev. Michael Nagle, there will be a gathering of families and friends at the Portuguese-American Club on Vineyard Avenue. Please bring a dish to share if you wish. Donations in memory of Captain Bob may be made to American Legion Post 257, Box 257, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568.