Denis Michael McGinty

“The best portion of a good man’s life is his little, nameless unremembered acts of kindness and love.”

Denis died September 3, 2023, from pancreatic cancer. Native of San Francisco, Denis was the son James and Genevieve McGinty. As the firstborn, Denis was immediately surrounded by great fanfare and attention by his many doting relatives, but he quickly learned to share the spotlight by the rapid arrival of brother Kevin and sisters Ellen and Erin, and much later, sister Molly.

Denis had a large circle of good friends and was widely admired as a scholar and a leader from his grammar school days at St. Anne’s, through St. Ignatius High School, Stanford University, and finally the University of California-San Francisco School of Medicine. He stayed connected with friends going way back from all these schools and valued these relationships.

Of the many wise decisions he made in life, attending UCSF undoubtedly was the best. Early in his first semester of med school he met Susan Young, his upstairs neighbor, who was completing her physical therapy training. A first date developed into what became a 55-year marriage and partnership for the ages. They supported each other through educational and career pursuits, late night and weekend calls, travel sports, and so much more. It was Sue who truly was his rock, seeing him through the past months of his devastating illness, making each day ever so much brighter.

His two sons, Michael and Patrick, were his world and he was a most devoted and beloved father. Denis supported them in all their activities and modeled for them the spirit of generosity they have carried on so well. The McGinty home was always a welcoming place for Mike and Pat’s friends, who considered Denis a second dad with whom they could always find safety and sound advice.

Mike and Pat married Jasmin and Beth, and Denis could not have admired and adored his daughters-in-law more. His five grandchildren -- Sean, Arin, Kathryn, Brigid, and Malcolm -- brought Denis immense joy. The highlight of his Sundays were the calls devoted to hearing about the grandchildren’s latest soccer matches, equestrian and track events, softball games, drumming jam sessions, life at school, or whatever was important in their lives. And, despite living some distance away, trips to spend time with family were always a priority.

Despite formative years spent in San Francisco, Sacramento was truly his home and where he found community: as a physician, coach, mentor, neighbor, and ardent Sac Republic fan. Sue’s longtime role as a professor at Sacramento State University further widened his circle and he became a certified honorary Hornet. His constant quest for always learning something new was enhanced through participating in the University’s Renaissance Society, and he enjoyed continuing his medical education by attending Grand Rounds even after retirement.

Neighbors would attest that Denis and Sue were legendary walkers, often logging 6-8 miles a day while doing their errands. They loved their occasional trips to Half Moon Bay where they could chill from the Sacramento heat-- enjoying books, puzzles and beach walks.

As the product of a classic Jesuit high school education, Denis learned both Greek and Latin, but the Latin motto he lived by most was cura personalis, or care for the whole person. Whatever the need, no matter the time or inconvenience, Denis was always there and present for everyone: his family, his friends, his patients, the unfortunate stranger who found themself in dire straits.

Besides his immediate family, Denis is survived by his siblings, Kevin McGinty, Ellen King, Erin Cox, and Molly Laughlin; sisters-in-law Diane McGinty and Kathy Young; brothers-in-law Ken Cox and Stephen Laughlin; numerous nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews, cousin Roger LaVoie and family, and countless friends from a life well lived.

Greeting him in Heaven are parents, Jim and Gen McGinty, parents-in-law Raleigh and Juanita Young, brothers-in-law Jonathan King and Bill Young, niece/goddaughter Christine McGinty Garcia, infant nephew Brian McGinty, and many, many other relatives, and longtime friends. As his son Mike so aptly posted, “The world will never be the same, but Heaven will be a lot more fun!”

Services will be held Friday, September 22nd, at Sacred Heart Church, 1040 39th Street, Sacramento, CA 95816 , Rosary at 10:30 am, Funeral mass at 11:00 am. A reception/celebration of life will be held following the mass at the Dante Event Center, 2330 Fair Oaks Blvd. Sacramento, CA 95825. The family would like to thank Kaiser Oncology, Palliative Care, and Hospice for their care of Denis over these last several months. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services,1951 Bell Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95838; Mustard Seed School, 1321 N. C Street, Sacramento, CA 95811; or the University Foundation at Sacramento State, Student Cares Fund, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95819.