Daniel Todd McKinney (affectionately called “Danny”) was born to the late Joyce McKinney and later adopted by his grandparents Charles and Ann McKinney. Danny attended St. Anthony’s of Padua School after graduation he attended Pope Pius XII High School in Passaic and later transferred to Passaic High School where he graduated as a proud member of the class of 1986.
It was during these tender years of high school Danny also known as “STYLES” had a love for animals and a natural God given talent in the arts which was always displayed in the form of breakdancing, poetry and graffiti. He was a member of the Passaic High School Modern Dance Ensemble and a Junior member of the HIP HOP CREW. The HIP HOP CREW was formed in 1981 with the dance partnership of Ish and Robbie Rob. HIP HOP CREW brought the culture of breakdancing to New Jersey in the early 80’s and grew to over 40 members. The HIP HOP CREW consisted of Ishmael “Ish” Coira, Vincent “Bo” Ross, Joey Torres, Eddie “Fast Eddie” Maldonado, Emilio “Moonie” Cabrerra, Robert “Rob” Hannah, Shawn “Rash” Chisholm and Jose “Tattoo”. They rehearsed their signature groundbreaking moves at “The Studio” on Main Avenue in Passaic during the winter months; and on the stage at Third Ward Park during the summer. “STYLES” was responsible for putting together videos which can be viewed on YOUTUBE. They were trailblazers in this new HIP HOP culture of the late 80’s; young inner-city men expressing themselves through the arts.
After graduation Danny was enlisted into the United States Marine Corps on June 23, 1986, for Basic Training and he was stationed in Paris Island, South Carolina. Danny did tours in California, North Carolina, Japan, and out to sea on the Mediterranean Float. Danny was accompanied by his cousin Dereck McKinney who entered the Marines three months prior in 1986. He dedicated four years proudly as a Marine serving the United States of America according to his Marine brothers. Danny was currently employed by a non-profit organization, OnPoint located in Harlem, New York as a Substance Abuse Counselor.
Danny leaves to cherish, his wife April McKinney (San Diego, California), two daughters Deanna AprilDanielle Weeks (Gilbert) (Kealakekua, Hawaii), Evelyn Joyce McKinney (New York, New York); two grandchildren Noah and Naomi Weeks; three sisters Captain Shirley Alexander (Paterson, NJ), Ruth Starr (Paterson, NJ), Barbara Jean Robinson (Special Sister) (Passaic, NJ); brother from another Jason Hawes Sr. (Garfield, NJ); Pastor Samuel “Hank” Porcha’ (Hoffman Estates, IL); Godmother Willa Mae Robinson Robertson (Raleigh, NC), Godparents Mr. & Mrs. Lewis (Passaic, NJ) along with a host of other family members and friends as well as his New York City family.
Danny was preceded in death by his mother Joyce McKinney, his grandparents’ Charles and Ann McKinney, sister Mildred McKinney-Johnson, special cousin/sister Shemal S. Robinson aka Molly and special friend Bernadette Bolognese. Danny, will be missed by all; however, we know GOD always knows best!
