Obituaries
Patrick J. McGinness, 65
Patrick J. McGinness, 65, died after a long illness. He was married to Deborah (Knafelc) McGinness for almost 36 years. Born in Lancaster, PA Pat was the son of Dorothy (Klair) McGinness, Columbia, PA and the late George McGinness.
Pat graduated from West Chester University and taught Health and Physical Education in the Solanco school district for 30 years. He was a kind man with a generous spirit; you could count on Pat to be there when needed. He was calm in any crisis. He was an aviation enthusiast and had a private pilot’s license. He maintained an active lifestyle with numerous hobbies and interests, always eager to learn something new.
In addition to his loving wife, Pat is survived by his mother, Dorothy V. McGinness, Columbia, PA; sister Georgia Mountz, wife of John, of Cheswick, PA; sister Peggy Knoll, of Alpharetta, GA; brother James McGinness, husband of Joanne, of Eagleville, PA; nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
Respectful of Pat’s wishes, there will be no funeral or service. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in Pat’s memory to Operation Scarlet, Chinese Shar-Pei Rescue, PO Box 8463, Lancaster, PA 17604 or an organization/charity of your choice.
Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
November 23, 2013
Deb: Our thoughs and prayers are with you and family. Bob and Grace Speicher and family
November 22, 2013
To the Family of Mr.McGinness: My deepest sympathy at this difficult time. I was saddened to read of his passing, but my heart was flooded with warm thoughts and memories of a man who touched many young hearts while teaching at Swift in the 70’s. I was an “admiring” young girl who found him handsome and generous, tough but quick with praise as well (though I was a less than stellar student!) I later went on to college to major in HP&E. Know he touched lives in ways he never even was aware of, and we are all saddened by the loss. ~ Carole Howard Fryberger
November 22, 2013
Deb,
John and I are very sorry about Pat. He was a wonderful person and we know how much he will be missed by his friends and family. Pat was a very special man who always spoke with such kindness and always wore a smile. It was an honor to know him.
John Yecker and Deb Bair
November 22, 2013
from a former student i send my thoughts and prayers to the family. Mr. McGinness was a great man. he will truly be missed by all
November 21, 2013
A kind man with a generous spirit – so very, very true. Uncle Pat, we will miss you, very much. -Liz
November 21, 2013
Pat was the most excellent of men. Deb, you were the luckiest of women to have been loved and so cared for by such a man. Pat was the best. He affected us all in a special way.
Carolyn Harbison ( a friend and fellow Solanco teacher)
November 21, 2013
It is with deep sadness that I read of Patrick’s passing. The McGinness family has always held a special place in my heart and I’ve often thought about each of you, wondering where and how you are. Pat was always friendly, protective, and loomed large to a lonely kid down the street. My deepest condolences to you all. Chris Miller Nelson
November 21, 2013
To The Family of Mr. McGinness:
I am sending you my deepest sympathy and wishing you strength and courage to get through this difficult time. I remember Mr. McGinness from many, many years ago when I attended Swift Middle School and he taught there. Although it’s been a long time, I can still remember how nice he was and the gentle disposition that he had. The world has lost a wonderful person, and for this I am saddened.
~Cheryl (Rohrer) Fuss
November 20, 2013
Dear Debbie,
You continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Gordie and Linda
November 20, 2013
Dear Debbie,
Please know my prayers are with you at this time. I have such fond memories of you and Pat when we were teaching together. You will always be one of my favorite couples–I truly admired how you loved each other. A tribute to you both. God bless you.
With loving rememberance, Marylou (Humphreys) Neidig
November 20, 2013
Dear Debbie, Our thoughts and prayers are with you.Pat was always a favorite member of the family.
He has a special place in heaven. Love the Kirkpatrick family
November 20, 2013
Dear Deb ~
It has been almost 40 years since we shared Breezy Pines cabin on Pine Creek with you and Pat and other dear friends from the Lancaster Canoe Club. Please know that our memories of you two have grown warmer over the years just as the waves in river trip stories grow bigger with each retelling.
Our love to you.
Bob & Jane Fulton
November 20, 2013
With thoughts of peace and courage for Mr. McGinness’ family and friends. I was a student at Swift Middle School in the mid 70’s, and still remember to this day the kindness that he showed to me.
November 20, 2013
Peg, my condolences to you and the family. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Ken Doria, Jacksonville, FL
November 20, 2013
Peg, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Kenny and Leve Leverett, Dallas, GA
November 20, 2013
Dear Deb and family: I was so very saddened to read of the passing of Pat. I am truly sorry for your loss. Pat was a good man, indeed, and a happy, kind and loving person. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family in this most difficult time.
Sincerely,
Carol (Sholl) Brown
November 20, 2013
My Condolences to the family. Over 35 years ago at Swift Middle, I had Mr. McGinness as a teacher. For the child that I was, that was considered “different” and an “outcast”, he gave special attention and encouragement and made a young kid feel better about himself. It always stuck with me, and now, as a man of over 50, I will always remember him for that. He stands out in my memory as a special person and teacher, even after all these years.
November 20, 2013
We send our thoughts and prayers to you in this time of loss. Pat was a good friend from high school.
Christine & Gary Kiehl
November 20, 2013
Debbie, So sorry for your loss. Pat will be greatly missed. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Pam McCune
November 20, 2013
Georgia & family, So sorry for your loss. Prayers to you & your family. Sincerely, Roberta Hake Smith.
November 20, 2013
Debbie,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Pat was a very special person, whose kind and upbeat spirit was an inspiration to all who knew him.
Blessing to You and the family,
June Shultz, Swifty colleague
November 20, 2013
We send our condolences and prayers to the family. Sincerely, Charles McCarty, Jr and wife, Barbara, and their son, Charlie III.
November 20, 2013
We will miss you forever and ever. Thanks for always being there. Georgia
November 20, 2013
Dear Debbie,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. I know the feeling of loss, as my father passed away
last Monday. Just know, that he is at peace, in a place where there is no pain and hurt.
My wish for you is that you will have comfort knowing that Pat was a wonderful man, and was loved by all who knew him.
Gwen and Kevin
