In Memory of

Michael McKee

April 1, 1924 – October 19, 2017

Obituary

Michael McKee 93, Retired Engineer, Port Authority of NY & NJ. Staten Island resident Michael (Mike) McKee passed away peacefully on October 19, 2017, after a long illness. Mike was predeceased by his beloved wife Gloria (nee Antoncic), to whom he was married for 51 years, until her death in 2001. Mike was a devoted father and is survived by his eight children: Patricia; Carol (Hugh Stark); Michael (Beth nee Voss); Robert (Maureen nee Sheehan); Nancy; Richard (Kathleen nee Domino); Eileen; and Stacey (David Jacobson). He was also a loving grandfather to eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Born in Poland of Ukrainian decent, and predeceased by his mother, brother and sister, Mike emigrated to the United States during the Great Depression, as a 10-year-old boy. He was soon reunited with his father Nick, who had traveled ahead to establish a new life in America.

Mike was an ROTC graduate from Columbia University, earning his undergraduate and graduate degrees in mechanical and industrial engineering respectively. He served as an Ensign in the United States Navy during World War II and returned to active duty as a Lieutenant during the Korean War. While in training at the Naval Deep-Sea Diving School in Bayonne, NJ, he served in the capacity of acting commander of his unit.

Following his military service, Mike was employed for almost 40 years with the Port Authority of NY & NJ as an industrial engineer. He was involved in dozens of operations, maintenance, and planning projects for virtually all of the Port Authority's world-renowned transportation facilities. However, his greatest accomplishment during his tenure with the Port Authority, was to serve as project leader in developing the operational planning process used in the development of the World Trade Center. Mike was also recognized as an expert in police operations. He was a member of the American Society for Industrial Security, the International Association of the Chiefs of Police, and the American Academy for Professional Law Enforcement. In addition, he served as an adjunct professor at Lehigh University's School of Engineering.

Mike was an active parishioner of Sacred Heart Church since 1959, the year he moved his family to Staten Island from Brooklyn. While raising his family, Mike volunteered in the Boy Scouts of America, Little League Baseball and Softball, and was a CYO basketball coach.

Mike's greatest joys in life were spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. In his leisure time, he enjoyed the outdoors with his family, especially the beach at Ocean City, NJ. Mike was an avid reader and "chef" for the family gatherings.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Harmon Funeral Home. Visitation will be Thursday 2-4, and 7-9. A mass of Christian burial will take place at Sacred Heart Church on Friday 11am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association , or to a charity of your choice.

Arrangements under the direction of Harmon Funeral Home, Staten Island, NY.