Kenneth J. Shinn

Kenneth John Shinn, Sr. A proud member of Operating Engineers Local 825 for the past 65 years Kenneth John Shinn, Sr. of Melbourne Beach Florida passed away peacefully at William Child's Hospice House Palm Bay, Florida Friday September 25, 2015. He was 84. Born to parents Edward Shinn Jr. and Margaret Shinn in Kearny, New Jersey he was raised in West Orange, New Jersey. While attending West Orange High School, Ken was highly regarded for his prowess on the football field including an "All Essex County" selection as a defensive lineman in 1949. He was a proud member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 825, now based in Springfield, NJ. Kenny Shinn, as he was more commonly referred to in the field, was highly regarded as one of the area's top-notch long boom, conventional crane operators. While working for his father's company, United Crane & Shovel Service Company, he lent his expertise to the construction of many steel and concrete building structures throughout the state of New Jersey. Prior to his retirement, he served as the company's President for a period of eight years. He thoroughly enjoyed spending time around his uncle Raymond Shinn's, antique automobile collection as well as following his favorite professional and collegiate football teams. Predeceased by his older brother, Edward Shinn III and his dear friend and life partner of many years, Alberta Smith, he is survived by his sister Joan Magnusson of Indialantic, Florida and Wall Township, NJ. As a loving father to his four children from his marriage of many years to Elinor Shinn (nee:Buschell), surviving children are Kenneth J. Shinn, Jr. and his wife Julie, Spring Lake, NJ, Timothy H. Shinn and his companion, Deborah Montesano, Neptune, NJ, Maryellen DeFranco and her husband Thomas, Jupiter Florida and Melanie T. Shinn and her husband Bob Wood, Wall Township, NJ. Also surviving are his seven grandchildren Michael Shinn, Amanda Shinn, Thomas John (TJ) Shinn, Sophia Shinn, Peter Shinn, Anthony Shinn, Zachary DeFranco and Talia DeFranco as well as two great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends. At the request of the deceased there will be a private graveside memorial service for the immediate family. Online condolence may be left at beachfuneralhome.com