Gloucester - Joseph Elliott McKechnie, long time resident of Gloucester died unexpectedly in the Virgin Islands on April 19, 2026. Born April 20,1958, Joe was raised on Wolf Hill in Gloucester by his parents Frederick and Eleanor McKechnie, alongside his close brothers John, Jim, and Jay McKechnie. He and his brothers spent their childhoods exploring the wilds of Wolf Hill and enjoying life along the Annisquam River. He attended Gloucester Public Schools graduating from Gloucester High School in 1976.

Joe was a happy and kind man, always welcoming, forthright, hardworking, and a truly generous person who loved his family and his friends deeply. Ginger (McGary) McKechnie, his wife of 42 years, and he were best friends from childhood. He was a proud and devoted father to his son Jonathan McKechnie and wife Lori McKechnie of Gloucester, MA, and to his daughter Gaelyn Destino and husband Matthew Destino of Marshfield, VT. He was crazy about his granddaughters, Grace and Zoey McKechnie. He had close relationships with his sister-in-laws Pam McKechnie, Jennifer McKechnie, Christine Smiley, Susan Roberts, Joali Maki, Robin Willcox, and Kristen Pardo, and his brother-in-laws Ron Roberts, Al Maki, John Wilcox and especially Alex Pardo. He was very fond of his nieces and nephews Amy, Keri, Meg, Kari, Jim, Sara, Katianna, Brittany, Lauren, Mark, Rachel, and Jason. He shared many great memories with his aunts, uncles, and many cousins. He is predeceased by his father Frederick McKechnie, grandparents Eleanor and John Critchett, and grandparents Helen and Elliott McKechnie.

Joe signed up to join the United States Coast Guard on his 18th birthday in 1976. His Coast Guard career spanned over 23 years, including two tours in Gloucester and a dispatch to sea during the blizzard of 1978 on the USCG Vigilant. He retired as a Lieutenant stationed at the USCG Marine Safety Office in Boston, MA. After the Coast Guard, Joe worked in many capacities as a national, and eventually international, expert in LNG shipping and fleet construction, traveling worldwide to oversee construction, shipping, and safety of these specialized vessels. He became a Board of Directors for Teekay LNG and was a private LNG consultant. Recently, Joe was a corporator of the Cape Ann Savings Bank and on the City of Gloucester Capital Improvements Committee.

After a profound career, Joe had begun to spend more time at home, enjoying his family and friends, spending time with his mom, playing golf, working in the yard, traveling for leisure, and of course, boating. Joe was always happiest with water in view. He had a life well-lived. He will be deeply missed, and remembered forever.

A Celebration of Life will be held on May 16, 2026 at Mile Marker 1, 75 Essex Ave. Gloucester, MA, from 1-4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, take a walk along the shore, and donations can be made to the Gloucester Educational Foundation, 185 Main Street Gloucester, MA.