Paul Ambrose McGinley, 84, of Meriden, CT and husband of the late Patricia O’Neil McGinley, died Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2015 at MidState Medical Center following a brief illness. Paul was born and raised in Malden, MA, the third of three sons of Ambrose and Alice (Evers) McGinley. Paul attended Immaculate Conception School followed by Malden High School. Paul was a hockey player in high school, at Tilton Academy and the University of New Hampshire. At UNH he developed lifelong friends, was a member of the Theta Kappa Phi Fraternity and studied history and political science. Paul regularly hitchhiked back to MA to see Patricia, the girlfriend who would become his wife of 45 years. Paul was a lieutenant in the USAF Reserves, serving from 1955-1967. Paul served the community through government, religion and education. He contributed to his beloved adopted city of Meriden, serving as an alderman in the 1970’s and through a change in the City Charter, helped to bring a City Manager form of government to Meriden. Paul also contributed in many ways to St. Joseph Parish, serving as a lector and regular participant in parish activities. St. Joseph School was close to Paul’s heart until the end of his life. His passion and commitment to St. Joseph School involved him in the school as Home-School Association president during his six children’s time there and on Advisory Boards in recent years. Sports were part of Paul’s life in all its forms – he was an athlete, especially gifted at baseball and hockey. He also enjoyed working at his golf game. Paul coached his three sons through all the levels of hockey and Meriden Little League. His allegiance to the Boston Red Sox began at a young age selling peanuts at Fenway Park and his team knowledge made him a great companion to watch games. As a UConn parent, he spent many years with his family tailgating at football games and supporting the school. Hunter Golf Course in Meriden was the site of fun times for Paul, especially in his retirement, and he earned the nickname “Buckets” for his many hours at the Driving Range working on his swing. Paul and his golf buddies enjoyed having Hunter as their “golf club” and San Souci as their après golf destination. Professionally, Paul spent his career as an industrial packaging engineer and salesmen for Stephen Gould Corporation in Orange, CT. He enjoyed the creative problem solving involved in designing custom packaging for a wide variety of customers and thrived as a salesman who developed strong relationships with businesses throughout Connecticut. Paul is survived by his children: Maureen and Mark Wiklund of Sandwich, MA; Mark and Catania McGinley of Killingworth, CT; Robert and Laurian McGinley of Chester, CT; Paula McGinley of Glastonbury, CT; and Trish McGinley and Scott Meyers of Boston, MA. He is also survived by his adoring grandchildren: Chris and wife Catherine, Katie and Patrick Wiklund; Mary, Brian and Isabella McGinley; Seamus and Dan McGinley; and Caroline Paisker. He is also survived by his brother Tod and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He is predeceased by his son Brian A. McGinley, who died in 1975 and his beloved Patricia O’Neil McGinley, who died in 2000. Paul’s travelling sidekick, his brother Joe, of Waldwick, NJ, died six weeks ago. Paul was a source of strength and comfort to his friends and family through life’s challenges; his love, good cheer and faith in humanity providing a pathway to better times. He was the life of the party, connecting with everyone, sincerely interested in knowing what people were about. As Paul’s cousin said, “He taught me to be a man and a good husband.” His sons, son-in-law, grandsons and many others would agree. The funeral will be held on Tuesday, January 20, at 9:15 am from the JJ Ferry & Sons Funeral Home, 88 E Main St, and at 10am in St Joseph Church, 22 Goodwill Ave, Meriden. The committal service with military honors will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Meriden. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday from 4 to 7 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Joseph Home and School Association, 159 West Main St., Meriden, CT 06451.
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Paul McGinley
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