Robert J. Kinsey was born on November 15, 1934 in Jersey City, New Jersey to Elizabeth and Tom Kinsey. He was educated at the parish elementary school, St. Augustine, and attended the Jesuit high school in New Jersey, St. Peter’s Prep. He graduated in 1951 and went on to the Jesuit college in New Jersey, St. Peter’s University and graduated in 1956 with a B.A. degree in economics with a minor in philosophy. Upon graduation, he volunteered for the officer’s candidate course of the Marine Corps and was commissioned a 2nd Lt. in December, 1956. He spent 3 years on active duty and 15 years in the Marine Corps Reserve and retired with the rank of Major. He married his wife, Joan, in June, 1959 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church and spent 5 years residing in Brooklyn, NY. He and Joan were blessed with two daughters, Maryanne and Joanmarie. Both were born in Brooklyn, New York. In 1960 Bob began his 50 year life insurance career as an agent for the Phoenix Mutual Life Insurance Company and concluded his career in 2010 as a small case pension manager for the Aetna Life and Casualty Company. He was also awarded two professional degrees: C.L.U. (Chartered Life Underwrite) and CH.F.C. (Chartered Financial Consultant) by the American College of Life Underwriters.

In 1965 the Kinsey family relocated to DeLand, Florida and became members of St. Peter Catholic Church, where he believe God called them and placed them in a spiritual home. Joan and he immediately became active in ministry – Joan as a teacher and Principal of St. Peter Catholic School for 40 years. Bob became coordinator of lectors and as a couple they were active in Youth Ministry in our parish as well as Campus Ministry at Stetson University. Their ministries include R.C.I.A., Cursillo Movement: and Christ Renews His Parish. Bob is a member of the K of C; and has participated in numerous Karios retreats for prisoners. In 1979 Bob Kinsey entered the Diaconate Formation and was ordained in 1983 by Bishop Thomas Grady as one of the 9 members which was the 2nd Diaconate Ordination in the diocese. In 1988 he became the Co-Director of the Diaconate Office and then Director in 1992 and remained in this ministry until 2008. In 2013 Deacon Bob celebrated the 30th jubilee of his ordination.

Deacon Bob Kinsey passed away January 4, 2015 surrounded by his family and loved ones. He will be greatly missed and remembered for his love of family, community, core, and most importantly God.