John Patrick McGinn, Sr. passed away on Thursday, November 26, 2020.  He was born on October 15, 1929 in Worcester, Massachusetts to the late Philip Ward McGinn, Sr. and Margaret Teresa (Shea) McGinn.  He is survived by his brother Dr. Philip W. McGinn, Jr., of Upper Montclair, NJ and was preceded in death by his brother Daniel F. McGinn and sister Margaret M. McGinn.

John is survived by his wife of 66 years, Helen Caroline (Stefanick) McGinn, son John P. McGinn, Jr. (Anna) of Virginia Beach, VA, daughter Colleen A. (McGinn) Teommey (Henry) of California, MD, son Neil F. McGinn (Wendy), Virginia Beach, VA, son Terence J. McGinn (Margarita), Fredericksburg, VA and grandchildren Christina, Kathryn, Erica, Kiera, and Alexis.

Born and raised in Worcester, MA, he was a graduate of Commerce High School before going on to Worcester State Teachers College, where he received his Bachelor and Master’s Degrees in Education.  He worked in the Worcester City Public School system as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, and elementary schools supervisor.  Additionally, he was a coach of the Thorndyke Rd. elementary school football, basketball, baseball sports programs for many years and was a Worcester Parks & Rec summer programs counselor and church lector at St. Joan of Arc.  Among the many organizations he was a member of over the years included the Sodality of Our Lady, College of the Holy Cross; the Ancient Order of Hibernians; and the Retired Men’s Club of Greendale.

After living in Worcester for over 70 years, he and his wife moved to Virginia Beach, Virginia in 2008 to be closer to their children.

John was an expert genealogist of his family history, an avid reader and historian, and most importantly, was deeply devoted to his wife and his family.  Despite his very busy professional life, he was the consummate family man, never missing any of his children’s milestones, coached their ball teams, and played ball with them at every opportunity.  John was blessed with a life well lived.  His influence in the lives of the countless students and fellow administrators he was associated with will be lasting.

He was especially proud of the fact that his daughter was an accountant and his three sons were all U.S. Navy officers, one an A-6 Intruder pilot, another an EA-6B Prowler Naval Flight Officer, and his other son a Surface Warfare Officer having served on the battleship USS Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in John’s memory may be made by sending a check made payable to the Worcester State Foundation, Inc. c/o University Advancement – Worcester State University 486 Chandler Street, Worcester MA 01602, indicating “In Memory of John P. McGinn, Sr.” in the memo section.