Patrick M. McGinley
Patrick M. McGinley age 67, of Quincy, died on Tuesday, February 21, 2017 at 1:25 p.m. in Blessing Hospital after a many year bout with Muscular Dystrophy. Patrick was born in Chicago, IL on June 20, 1949, a son of Andrew & Alice (Berry) McGinley.
He was a graduate of Quincy University and obtained his PhD from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville.
Patrick was a teacher in the Quincy Public Schools. He taught at Madison School until 1983 at which time he was transferred to Baldwin where he taught fourth grade and math for 4th, 5th, and 6th grades, in the program for academically talented students. He then was assigned to teach history at Quincy Senior High School until his retirement. After his retirement from public education, Patrick served a term as president of P.O.L.I.S. and taught some of the classes on the subject of history, and he also taught classes at JWCC. There were many students from his various classes who kept in contact with “The Doc” and would return to Quincy and visit with him on many occasions.
Patrick was a member of the Optimist Club, during which time he helped with the Soap Box Derby and was a judge for essay contests. He was a tour guide and on the board of the Dr. Richard Eells House, as well as an officer for the Historical Society of Quincy and Adams County. Dr. McGinley contributed to documenting Quincy’s history by writing articles for Quincy Herald Whig. Patrick had created a video documentary by interviewing World War II veterans about their experiences in the war. He had distributed copies of this work to local libraries and educational institutions. He has served as a Boy Scout leader in which he earned the Silver Beaver award, and took scouts to Russia where they toured and learned some of the country’s history. Pat also thoroughly enjoyed his time as a mentor in the Big Brother-Big Sister Program.
Traveling was one of his favorite past times. He had traveled to the Philippines and to Ireland. In Donegal, Ireland he was elated to be able to visit the home where his grandfather had been raised. Because of his love of trivia and was a master of minutia, he would participate in trivia bowl events.
Survivors include his mother, Alice Urbaitis of Quincy; a step-sister, Patricia Kojder and her husband Daniel of Braidwood, IL. Nieces and nephews also survive. Two students who lived with him and his Mother, Dmitry Andrievsky and Ken Ng also survive. To them, and many others, he was a father figure, best man, mentor and an irreplaceable friend. Patrick was preceded in death by his father, and two brothers, Andy and Connie McGinley.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, February 27, 2017 in the Church of St. Peter, by Monsignor Leo Enlow. Inurnment will be held in St. Joseph Cemetery, River Grove, IL. Visitation will be Monday morning from 9:00 until 10:00 a.m. at the Church of St. Peter. Memorials are requested in lieu of flowers, to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Funeral arrangements in care of the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home.
Pat and I were classmates at St. Joes. He was a man of many talents and interests, especially working with others. R.I.P.
Patrick was a devoted and involved member of the Society for many years and served as an officer and board member during much of that time. The Society has designed a granite paver in Patrick’s memory; this stone will be prominently displayed in the paver plaza at The History Museum at 332 Maine.
Dr. McGinley was such an influence on my life as he was my teacher many times over, through the TAG program at Baldwin and also in high school. I was very happy to reconnect with him as an adult through social media and always enjoyed hearing from him. I recently joined a choir and the first song we are singing is The Road Not Taken, something many of Dr. McGinley’s students can appreciate as he helped us all to memorize that poem. I will think of him always, but especially so in singing that song.
My sincere condolences to his family.
I had him for 4th grade in the mid-80s and always remembered him as an engaging and effective teacher who truly cared about his students. He was such an asset to the Quincy schools – rest in peace, Dr. McGinley.
A good heart has stopped beating, a good soul ascended to heaven.We will never forget you.His kind face remains forever in our memory.
It was 1983, the first year of Baldwin (now no more) where I met Patrick McGinley, and had him as one of three teachers in the 6th grade TAG program. I was aware of his MD then but it was clear to me as an 11 year old that it did not define his life, one dedicated to service and education. Well done, good and faithful servant. Rest well!
A great man, a great friend, his legacy will on.
We had the pleasure of knowing Pat as a teacher that we worked with and as a parent that had our child in his room. He was an inspiration to so many kids and adults that knew him. We will always remember him and his kind ways. We are all better just having known him! Rest in peace, our friend!
One of my oldest friends, since age 13, Patrick was a role model. Teacher Scout leader, political candidate, Patrick dedicated his life to others, especially the young. I miss you.
Both of my kids had Dr. McGinley for Math at Baldwin. Emily works in tax for the Il Dept of Revenue and Brent is a CPA. I always gave Dr. McGinley credit for their strong foundation in Math. Heaven gained a special person.
Feel terrible that I won’t be able to make it, as Dr. McGinley was undoubtedly the teacher who I remember most fondly. He’ll most certainly be missed.
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with your family. I am so sorry for your loss.
My thoughts and prayers are with Patrick, his mom and friends. As a sixth-grader in his Madison school class room, I learned first-hand “Mr. McGinley” wonderful knowledge, his warm relationships with people and his strong believe in social well-being and justice. In hindsight, I realize he had great patience, too. My respect for Patrick grew as a watched him spend his life helping kids grow into intelligent, thoughtful caring people. Most recently, I was able to work with Patrick at the Friends of Dr. Richard Eells house. He was a wonderful historian, and excellent story-teller and a great friend. Quincy will miss our friend – Mr. McGinley.
So very sorry to hear about the passing of Pat. We attended Quincy College together and were roommates senior year. Pat played drums in our band and I am confident the our Lord had a new set of sticks waiting for him. He is so missed.
Dr. McGinley made a significant impact in my life as well as many others. He will be missed but well remembered.