William H. McGinley Jr.

On Sunday, February 5, 2023, alongside his devoted daughters, William H. McGinley Jr. departed a life of ninety-three years, lived with incredible zeal, love, and grace. “Bill” leaves behind his four children along with nine grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. Bill’s health began to falter shortly after the death of his dear wife of over sixty years, Genevieve (née Carey). He passed away at the Homeland Center in Harrisburg, PA, of natural causes. Bill’s family was paramount, the subject of nearly all conversations and the complete focus of his abundant energies. He cherished his wife, children, and grandchildren, dispensing love and advice—whether solicited or not—in equal degree. To those near him, and to the Catholic parishes he patronized throughout his life, he was generous beyond measure. Possessed of a fine wit, Bill made fast friends throughout life, even in the assisted living home where he commonly joked with, and occasionally pranked, the nursing staff whom he adored, and who happily returned his affections. (A fond staff member noted that she sat in Bill’s room after his passing, lamenting the loss of a true friend.) Bill loved adventure. After graduating from Notre Dame University in 1950, he joined the United States Navy, serving during the Korean War as a pilot and patrol plane commander, the youngest aviator in his squad. Subsequently, he entered the business world and worked as a sales manager at JT Baker Chemical Company in Phillipsburg NJ. Eventually Bill rose to the role of Vice President of Doe and Ingalls, Incorporated in Medford, MA, just outside of Boston from where he retired in 1993. Sailing, photography, cars, reading, Notre Dame Football and Philadelphia sports were among his many interests. After his military and civilian careers led him and his family to reside in six different states, the Lehigh Valley ultimately became his retirement destination. When his wife Genevieve became ill, Bill’s compassionate care was unwavering. Indeed, he regarded concern for his wife, children, and extended family as a sacred charge, one he never neglected. Born on February 20 1929, he was the only child of William H. McGinley Sr. and Wilda (née Wiggins) McGinley, and is survived by his children; William J. McGinley (Elaine), Ann E. Gralski (William), Jane M. Aulenbach (James), and Christopher J. McGinley (Julie); 9 grandchildren, Kelly Puckett (Brendan), Nathan McGinley, Laura Reckeweg (John), Christopher Gralski (Nicole), Maggie Wagner (Robert), Kate Naughton (Brian), Mark Aulenbach (Olivia), Sarah Blanchard, and Zach Blanchard; 12 great grandchildren, Isaiah, Lijah, Cade, Griff, Layla, William, Henry, Dade, Sloane, Reid, Maclin, and Lucas. A private service will be held at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions may be made to Homeland Center, 1901 North Fifth Street, Harrisburg, PA 17102.