John A. 'Jack' McGinnis

Life for Jack McGinnis really was a wonderful adventure! Eighty-five years afforded him a lifetime of experiences and a world filled the very rich blessings of a large family and generations of friends. He died a very rich man in these senses on Wednesday, March 9, 2022 with family at his side. Jack was 85.

John A. McGinnis was born August 20, 1936 in Worcester a son of the late Charles and Mildred (Farrell) McGinnis. Raised in Worcester he was graduate of St. John's High School with the class of 1955 and remained a proud and active SJ Alumni. He served honorably in the United States Army and later earned his Bachelor's degree from Clark University in 1971 and another degree from Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

Jack married Worcester native Mary C. Mahan on January 5, 1957 in Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church in Worcester. Shrewsbury residents for over 50 years until 2003 they then shared time between Hyannis, Worcester and Longboat Key, Florida. After 54 years of marriage Mary died on February 26, 2011.

He enjoyed a successful career as a machine tool sales engineer which began in early years at Norton Corporation. Other companies included Robert E. Morris Company and REM Sales but concluded when he retired from Brookdale Associates. Jack travelled extensively for his work and while his primary responsibility was to provide for his large and ever-growing family, he took in opportunities to experience the highlights and culture of the area in which he was working.

Jack was active in his community and Saint Mary's Parish. Chair of the Bishops Fund he served also as Eucharistic minister at St. Mary's. He loved the Octoberfest where he was dubbed 'Chief Yard Bird' by fellow organizers in the early years. Jack belonged to Adelphi Council #4181 Knights of Columbus and was very active in various youth sporting associations for his ten children. Catholic education remained at the forefront as he and Mary raised their children for they believed it served as a wonderful foundation for life and education.

He taught each of his children how to drive, ski, dig for clams, be grateful for hand me downs and appreciate shenanigans. Jack was a talented handy man and could tackle most any project from plumbing to electrical and enjoyed tinkering in his yard and gardens.

Jack appreciated the good and simple pleasures of life from bird watching, sitting by the fireplace or outside by the chimenea. He loved sports, as a player and spectator. He watched the Red Sox as well as the Patriots and even attended two Super Bowls. He cherished a round of golf with his sons, but only if he was driving the cart. Time on the beach coast with his family was precious. Sunday dinners were a staple on Orchard Road. The door was always open and anyone who entered was welcome. It's no secret that Jack savored the sip of his signature Manhattan, later coined 'Jack the Giant Killer's.' Jack McGinnis lived life to the fullest, laughed every day and loved every moment. He often said 'If you get up in the morning and put two feet on the floor it is a good day.'

In addition to his wife of 54 years, Mary C. (Mahan) McGinnis, he is predeceased by their daughter, Catherine M. Casey; siblings, Charles McGinnis, Carol Bernasconi and Mary McGinnis.

He leaves his children, John A. McGinnis Jr. (Gayle) of Dana Point, California, William C. McGinnis (Diane) of Calabasas, California, Paul E. McGinnis (Faith) of Orange, Elizabeth A. McGinnis of Sedona, Arizona, Michael R. McGinnis (Lisa) of Shrewsbury, Mary Ann McGinnis (Sean Carroll) of Worcester, Patricia A. McGinnis Firlotte, of Shrewsbury, Ann M. McGinnis of Dennis and Daniel J. McGinnis of Shrewsbury; son-in-law, Kevin C. Casey of Shrewsbury; grandchildren, Ryan (Ariel), Shaina, Philip (Jilian), Christine (Mark), P. Alexander Alward, Erin, Patrick (Samantha), Matthew, Jay, Joaquin, Alaina, Kaitlyn (Stephen), Riley, Malcolm, Aidan and James; step-grandchildren, Rachel (Alex), Amanda, Matthew, Patrick, Elizabeth, Kaleigh (Anthony) and Colleen; great-grandchildren: Sean, Cristina, Megan, Owen, Violet, Griffin, Callum, Thomas, Timothy, Kaitlyn, Madeline, Ophelia, Avery, Jack, Brayden, Mikayla, Mason, and Nevaeh; his brother, Robert McGinnis (Shirley) of Chicopee; in-laws, Carol McGinnis, Daniel Mahan and Charles Bernasconi; nieces, nephews, and friends to many to count. He also leaves his friend, Joyce Brennan and his caregiver, Gladys Augustin.

Family and friends will honor and remember Jack's life by gathering for calling hours in The Eastern Shores Club, 206 South Quinsigamond Avenue, Shrewsbury on Wednesday, March 16th from 4 to 7 p.m. His funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday at 10:30 a.m. in Saint Mary's Church, 640 Main Street, Shrewsbury. Burial with military honors will follow in St. John's Cemetery, Worcester.

Memorials in his name to St. John's High School, 378 Main Street, Shrewsbury 01545 or Notre Dame Academy, 425 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA 01609 or St. Mary's School, 18 Summer St., Shrewsbury, MA 01545.

Arrangements by James & John Heald.