Robert McKinnon, of New York City, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on June 25, 2022. He resided in New York but spent many a happy day in Danvers and the surrounding areas with his extended family. Robert originally came to the US at the age of 18 and became a dual citizen of the US and Belize.

He is survived by his wife, Paula, his son, Michael, his brothers Keith Pandy (Donna) and Bernard Stanford (Julie) as well as his sister, Sandra Brown (Phillip). In addition, he had several nephews and nieces: Aimee and Richard Pandy, Phillip Jr. and Travis Brown, Leon and Sherlett Stanford, as well as several grandnieces and grandnephews. His North Shore family includes his son Michael’s godparents, Susan Barbuzzi and David Ziomek (Eileen) in addition to other cousins and relatives and extended family throughout the United States and Belize. He was predeceased by his mother Maud Stanford.

Robert owned a flower shop in Manhattan and was a master florist insisting on only using the most beautiful flowers in his arrangements. In his former life, he was a songwriter having had a song recorded by Harry Belafonte as well as the Manhattan Transfer.

Robert was affectionately known as the Mayor of 43rd Street where his flower shop was located and had so many friends from years ago to friends he just made. His smile and generosity made him a memorable presence. He was constantly gifting people with fish he had caught in Gloucester or a bouquet of flowers. His friends were from all walks of life including the music world, the flower world, his neighbors in Manhattan Plaza and Penn South in NYC and Hunt Street in Danvers, his fishing friends, policemen, executives, the restaurant industry, gardening friends, etc. Robert had a generosity of spirit not often seen.

A man of many talents, he was humble and wise. He fought a valiant battle with duodenal cancer since October 2018, defying the medical community as his warrior spirit persevered. He will be sorely missed by his wife, son, family and friends but in the words of one of the titles of his songs “You were worth the wait.” Robert certainly was worth the wait. A very special man. We are grateful for his presence in our lives.

A graveside service for the family will be held at St. Mary’s of the Annunciation cemetery where Robert will be interred with his in-laws, Rose, Mike and brother-in-law, Michael Cassese Jr.

Contributions in Robert’s memory can be made to:

Dana Farber Cancer Institute

Calvary Hospice

NYU Langone

***** May we win this battle against cancer in our lifetime.*****