Eric Matthew Kinney, 1988-2022

Eric Matthew Kinney of Lake Wales, FL passed away Tuesday April 12, 2022 at his residence.

He was born March 11, 1988 in Point Pleasant, New Jersey to Edward and Diane Kinney; He graduated University of South Florida Cum Laude with a double major in Business Management and Criminology; was a member of Sigma Nu fraternity where he was the Executive Director of University Greek Programming Board, Treasurer and Philanthropy Chairman. He was also winner of the pillar of the community award and USF nominee for Fraternity Man of the Year. Eric studied abroad in the Fall of 2009 at the University of Tasmania in Australia, where he was named the recipient of an international scholar's award.

After graduating college at the University of South Florida he moved to Tampa, FL where he began his career in the radio industry with, I Heart Radio. He quickly rose through the ranks winning numerous awards becoming the youngest Top Sales Executive in the company. He then moved to Orlando, FL where he worked as a Director of Sales for CBS Radio.

When Eric wasn't working, he volunteered his time as a Big Brother through the Big Brothers, Big Sisters of America Organization out of Tampa Bay, FL. He took this role very seriously taking his "little brothers" to sporting events, back to school shopping and/or just out to dinner to talk. He was a lifelong member of Saint Martha's Church in New Jersey and attended Waverly Baptist Church in Florida.

Eric was preceded in death by his mother, Diane Kinney (1998). He is survived by his father, Edward Kinney Jr. of Bricktown, NJ; brother Ed Kinney III (Doreen) of Point Pleasant Beach, NJ; sisters Erin Durkin (Wayne) of Bricktown, NJ and Shannon Kinney of Bricktown, NJ. He also leaves behind nephews; Edward Kinney IV, Kyle Kinney, Wayne Durkin Jr. and his niece and goddaughter Katelyn Durkin as well as his extended family and an abundance of friends. We will all miss him more than words can say.

No local services are scheduled and the memorial service will be held at a later date in New Jersey.