John D. Kinnear

John David “Jay” Kinnear, 74, of Wilbraham, passed away peacefully at his home on November 1, 2025.

  Born to the late John and Georgianna (Fenner) Kinnear Sr., Jay lived a life defined by Navy service, craftsmanship, and a genuine kindness that touched everyone around him. A proud veteran of the United States Navy, Jay served with honor aboard the heavy cruiser USS Newport News during the Vietnam War — an experience that shaped his strength, resilience, and deep appreciation for his fellow servicemen.

 Jay was a loving and caring man whose greatest passion was sharing his knowledge. He dedicated many years to teaching his trade, always encouraging, and always committed to helping others succeed. Beyond the shop, Jay was well known throughout western Massachusetts as an avid and skilled farrier, serving numerous farms.

  A man of many interests, Jay enjoyed scuba diving, restoring and riding motorcycles, and tinkering with just about anything he could get his hands on. His curiosity and creativity were matched only by his good humor and the joy he found in simple, hands-on work.

  Jay was predeceased by his beloved wife, Jackie Kinnear, with whom he shared the love of horses. He leaves behind many who will forever cherish his memory: Damien Pittola, whom he loved like a son; his daughter, Jaime Kinnear; his brothers, Noel and his partner Marla, Tom and his wife Karen and sister Dawn Jew; his favorite liberal cousin Wendy “Fenna” and her husband Dan; as well as several nephews and nieces as well as close friends who were like family.

Jay will be laid to eternal rest at the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery on Friday, November 21st, 2025, at 9 am, where he will be honored for both his service and his life well lived.

Donations in Jay’s memory may be made to Mercy Medical Center’s Sister Caritas Cancer Center.

Jay’s legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew him — in the lessons he taught, the kindness he gave freely, and the countless ways he made the world better simply by being in it.

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