Perry Mckinney’s journey here on earth came to an end on June 21st, 2026. After battling a lengthy illness, he passed away peacefully on Father’s Day.
He was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, to Frank McKinney and Lynn (Fontaine) McKinney. As a small child he lived in Derry, NH and then in elementary school moved to Portsmouth, NH. He attended Portsmouth High School, where he ran for class president. After the votes were counted, he was told the election had ended in a tie, but the position would be awarded to the other student because of Perry’s poor attendance. Disappointed and convinced the outcome was rigged, he quit school—a story he would later recount with a smile, joking, “That’s why I don’t like politics.” Later in life Perry earned his GED and went on to take art courses at the University of New Hampshire, where he re-discovered a lifelong passion for oil painting.
Perry’s story of resilience and redemption was nothing short of extraordinary. As a young man, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to purchase homes and transform them into rental properties. He married his high school sweetheart, Sherry, and together they welcomed four sons.
Tragically, Sherry died at age 30 from a brain aneurysm. Her loss was devastating, leaving Perry to raise their four sons. Soon after, Sherry’s sister moved in with her own three sons, and together they raised seven boys.
Perry struggled with alcoholism, and over the years his addiction deepened. After his youngest son graduated from high school, he lost everything and experienced nearly a decade of homelessness.
Twenty years ago, Perry found sobriety—a turning point that transformed the rest of his life. Through recovery, he rebuilt not only his own life but also became a source of hope for countless others. His journey became a testament to the power of perseverance, faith, and second chances, inspiring everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Throughout his recovery, he was deeply grateful for the love and unwavering support of his children, his twin brother, Conrad, and his beloved partner of the past 20 years, Betty Brown.
He enjoyed his daily walks, ice fishing, canoe racing, oil painting, playing pool, and practicing martial arts, earning a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. He found great purpose in attending AA meetings, where he was able to support and encourage others on their recovery journeys. He became both a sponsor and a certified recovery coach, roles he embraced with compassion and dedication.
Above all, his greatest joy was spending time with his children and their families. Watching his seven grandchildren grow up was, in his words, “such a blessing.” Family gatherings, arriving at birthday parties with balloons, and celebrating the holidays together were the moments he cherished most. They were what he truly lived for.
Perry was predeceased by his beloved wife, Sherry, who died in 1977; his parents, Frank and Lynn; and his stepsisters, Chick and Elizabeth.
He is survived by his loving partner of 20 years, Betty Brown; his four sons, Perry and his wife Elizabeth, Jeff and his wife Karen, Juston and his wife Jennifer, and Jason and partner of 14 years Christin; his seven grandchildren, Collin, Cameron, Chloe, Bryce, Addysen, Jack, and Joshua; his twin brother, Conrad; his stepbrothers, Chuck and Lowell; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
In lieu of flowers that family asks that you make a donation in Perry’s name to any of the three listed charities focusing on recovery, Crossroads House, First United Methodist Church of Portsmouth or the Salvation Army.
