Stephen “Steve” James McKinnon, age 77, son of the late George J. McKinnon and Stephanie J. (Dulka) McKinnon and resident of Middleborough, formerly Weymouth, Pembroke and Brockton,peacefully passed away on Friday, June 6, 2025.

Following his graduation from Weymouth High School in 1967, Stephen enlisted in the United States Air Force and served as a Staff Sergeant in the Air Force Fire Brigade in Thailand during the Vietnam War (1968-1972). On April 10, 1970 when a reconnaissance plane crashed he selflessly exposed himself to an extremely dangerous environment to rescue individuals and extinguish the blaze. He was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal for his dedication and valor.

Upon his return home Stephen was a Boston Firefighter until he suffered a back injury. He then earned his Associates Degree in Business Science and found his calling in the security industry from which he later retired. He was sober for thirty-seven years and a committed member of AA, helping countless others and earning the admiration and love of his fellowship. When Stephen and his wife Joyce moved to Middleborough, Steve dedicated himself to local governance, serving on several boards and committees for over twenty years. He was a friend of the local Police Departments and the Fire Departments, a dedicated public servant and respected member of the Middleborough community and he will be missed by many close friends including his loving and cherished partner of two years, Judith Ventola.

Stephen was an avid reader and history buff, as well as a self taught bread baker, handyman and gardener. He donated to numerous charities focused on helping people and animals. Steve cared deeply for animals having several pets over the years and always kept the birdfeeders in his backyard full.

Steve is survived by his sister Diane McQuade, brother (estranged) Kenneth McKinnon, daughter Kathryn McKinnon, daughter (estranged) Sara McKinnon, as well as his grandsons, Anthony Swift and Vincent Swift who were his pride and joy. He was preceded in death by his brothers James McKinnon and George McKinnon and his adoring and beloved wife of eighteen years, Joyce (Tibbetts) McKinnon.

The family wishes to extend gratitude to the VA in Brockton and the VA in West Roxbury, St. Joseph Manor in Brockton, Old Colony Hospice Care in West Bridgewater and Harborside Hospice in Haverhill for their exemplary and compassionate caregiving during Stephen’s illness as well as O’Neill Funeral Home in Middleboro for their kind and impeccable care for Stephen and his family after his passing.

Military honors and funeral services will be held on July 1, 2025 (Tuesday) at 11 AM in the Central Congregational Church, 2 Webster Street (corner of South Main Street) Middleboro.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Calling hours are respectfully omitted and interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, Steve requested donations be made to the DAV Disabled American Veterans

https://www.ihelpveterans.org/

To offer your condolences online, please visit our website: www.oneillfuneral.com

Arrangements are by the O'Neill Funeral Home, 59 Peirce Street, Middleboro.