MrTodd Dale McKinney of Bronx, New York transitioned on December 11, 2022 at the age of 54 He was born on August 16th, 1968 in Harlem, New York to Barbara and Alvin McKinney. Todd graduated from Warwick High School in 1988 where he was widely known for his exemplary sense of fashion which he gained early from his parents; he wasgenuinelya"flyguy" Toddwasalsorecognizedforhisintelligence Hewasextraordinarywithhisuseofwords which he credited to his mother for introducing him to books at an early age. Thank God for all of the books his motherexposedhimto ItwasatBarnes&NoblesbookstoreintheBronx,wherehemetStephanieWoods,thelove ofhislife,in2008;theMichelletohisBarack.TheyweremarriedinBronx,NewYork.OnJuly26th,2019,intrueNew York fashion - catching the D Train to Todd's old hood where he grew up as a youngster, 167th Grand Concourse in their wedding attire as New Yorkers cheered them on and congratulated them. They even made a stop and purchasedItalianiceesonthestreetfromthecoconuticeelady.
This beautiful couple shared a love for New York, the arts, fashion, a good bodega sandwich from the hood, and music - especially oldschool hip-hop, jazz andsoul They were"SONEW YORK"!You couldalways findthemat your local block party, restaurants as Todd loved to eat, concerts, festivals and any events. The one thing he loved celebrating outside of his wife and the culture was their blended family of 6 beautiful children and 12 grandchildren Hischildrenrememberhimasathoughtful,caring,wisefatherwhoencouragedthemtopursuetheir goals, invest in themselves, and never take any moment for granted. Though he lived hours away, he always called, sent heartfelt messages, and always anticipated his next visit to see them He consistently let them know how muchtheywerevalued,loved,andmissed.
Todd loved family and was a very loyal friend He had a passion for good food, co and exuded a deep-rooted love for 'black upliftment' and 'black excellence'. Todd smile as grand as the universe; and style that commanded the attention of everyone around him. Todd was genuinely eloquent and charismatic! Dale, as he was affectionally called by his wife, fondly recalled shopping at "LordandTaylors"atayoungagewhichinspiredhisstylishness.Itwasthehip-hopculturethatcontinuedtogroom his fashion sense; he was just as dap as "Dapper Dan" His military experience only elevated his already distinguishedappearanceandsenseofself.
Todd enlisted in the United States Army and served in the gulf war/desert storm a year after he completed high school. This played a vital role in his life and life experiences. He received several awards, badges, medals, and ribbonsattributingtohisarmyconduct HefrequentlypointedouttohischildrenthattheArmedForcestaughthim the value of discipline, teamwork, and investing in a cause larger than himself. Todd retired from the military honorablyafter7years
Lovingly survived by wife, Stephanie Woods; children, Angelo Santiful (LaShawn), Amber Lewis, Jamál McKinney, Trevant McKinney, Chanell Hamilton (Jonathan), and bonus daughter, Brea Grate; his mother Barbara Cherry; siblings, Miesha McKinney, Donna Prescod and Donald Sir Allen McKenney; 12 beautiful grandchildren; aunt, uncle; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. He is preceded in death by father, Alvin F. McKinney, and maternalandpaternalgrandmothers.
“TO HAVE SONS AND DAUGHTERS IS A PRIVILEGE, TRULY A PRIVILEGE. IT’S THE BEST TASK THAT GOD HAS ASKED ME TO PERFORM!”
“Stephanie,
I was made to love you. My arms were made to hold you. I have been placed here, back home, to cross your path for a reason. And I can’t wait to walk down to the end of the road with you. I will always love you. I’m here for you. And as I’ve told you before, I will die for you but with all I’ve gone through, I wanna live for you.”
- The love of your life
"While keeping all of our spirits up. YOU'RE IN YOUR WINNING SEASON. I LOVE YOU ALL LIKE NO OTHER. FROM MY LIPS TO YOUR EARS IN FRONT OF GOD JUST LIKE THAT... INVEST IN LOVE, INVEST IN A MOST POSITIVE LIFE, INVEST IN YOU! ALL OF YOU ARE PROOF THAT DREAMS COME TRUE. ONE DAY IT WILL ALL MAKE SENSE.
Watching you grow up as a young boy; strong faith, sassy, and argumentative at times but always respectable; Never getting into trouble or doing anything to cause me embarrassment when I could not afford to buy you the designer clothes or shoes you wanted, You worked for it! You always worked as a young boy because you were always perfectly groomed; I always called you"Mr GQ" You always liked to tell jokes and stories, especially, the ones you made up The last years, we grew closer than ever. You called me every day and night, no matter where you were and closed each call with "I love you, mama"! I love you too Todd! I love you always and miss you! I know I have to let you go We will be together again when it's time " - Mama (Barbara Cherry - mother)
“TodayIcriedtearsofjoy. Smilingatthememorieswe’veshared. Whenthesunshinedthismorning, itwarmedmeupinside, I’mremindedofthewarmth Ifeltinyourembrace. Thewindwhistledagainstmywindow, andIhearyouhumming yourfavoritesong. You’reatpeacenowandforthatIsmiled, it’sbeenmytruestdelighttobeyourchild. Theloveyougaveuswill foreverbeunmatched. Onecouldonlyprayforalovelikethat. I’llpayitforwardandtell theworldaboutToddSon,Father,HusbandandgiftfromGod.”
-ChanellHamilton(daughter)
In this hour, we wish to acknowledge with our sincerest gratitude, the outpouring of love, kindness, support and prayers. Whatever involvement you played in consoling our hearts, we thank you so much! May God bless and keep you!
- The McKinney Family
FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS ENTRUSTED TO: GRANBY'S FUNERAL SERVICE, INC. 4021 WHITE PLAINS ROAD BRONX, NY 10466-3003 718-519-6047 WWW.GRANBYSFUNERALSERVICE.COM
