Joel Earnshaw Kinley

Joel Earnshaw Kinley, 85, passed away peacefully on December 16, 2025, surrounded by his loving children and grandchildren. 

Born in Philadelphia on July 17, 1940, to Earnshaw and Ellen Kinley, Joel grew up in West Mount Airy, where his love for tennis and adventure began. He was a proud graduate of the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School and started his career working for Surgeon General Dr. C. Everett Koop before finding his true calling in real estate. Joel became a nationally recognized agent, celebrated for his expertise and generosity as a mentor for over 60 years.

Joel’s greatest joy was restoring homes, blending craftsmanship with a deep appreciation for history and style. He lived and worked throughout Bucks, Chester, and Montgomery counties, as well as Germantown and Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia. Joel lived life to the fullest—enjoying fast cars, fine dining, music, gardening, world travel, and the company of friends—while always encouraging and celebrating his children and grandchildren’s interests and achievements.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Earnshaw and Ellen Kinley, and nephew, Andrew Scott McWilliams.

Joel is lovingly remembered by sister Dallas McWilliams, brother Jonathan Kinley, nephew Blair McWilliams, and his three children Joan Kinley (Matthew), Sarah Theis (Rich) and Thomas Kinley (Paula), and cherished grandchildren Richard Theis and Emma and Olivia Kinley.

A celebration of Joel’s life will be held in Spring 2026.