Joseph Thomas McGinnity

We invite you to read Joe's story below, and we warmly welcome you to add your own tribute, story, or photo (see buttons below or in the gallery). Joseph Thomas McGinnity, known to most everyone as Joe and affectionately called Seosaí ("SHOW-see") during his childhood in Ireland, passed away in March 2026 at the age of 90 in Naples, just outside of Rochester, New York. Joe was born in Knockatallon, a small town in County Monaghan, Ireland. As a young boy, he contributed to the family farm at Kilmore, where he developed the tireless work ethic that would define his entire life. In his teen years, Joe relocated to Manchester, England, where he learned the trade of being a mechanic. It was there, at the Irish Center during a Lady's Choice dance, that he met the first love of his life, Maura Kelly. After marrying, Joe and Maura emigrated to Rochester, NY, in 1960 and ultimately settled in the countryside of Bergen. Following the tragic loss of Maura, Joe faced the challenge of keeping his family of four young children together. It was at this time that Joe started working at Kodak as a welder. With the help of many family and friends, and especially Fidelma Kelly – Maura's youngest sister, who became the primary caregiver – the family survived and flourished. After a few years, Joe and Fidelma fell in love, married, and welcomed their daughter, Tereasa. Together, Joe and Fidelma lovingly raised five children, helping each of them grow, learn, and become accomplished, caring people. In 2010, Joe and all the kids and their families had to endure the heartbreaking loss of Fidelma after a courageous battle with lung cancer. Then, Joe and everyone had to overcome the devastating and sudden passing of the eldest son, Joey, in 2018. Joe was a man of resilience and great character. He was genuine, forthright, dependable, dedicated, and fair, with a fantastic sense of humor and an endless number of Irish sayings. His nieces and nephews, near and far, loved their Uncle Joe for his quick wit and sincere conversations, and many called him "Jiving Joe” because he enjoyed singing and dancing. Joe was also a talented Gaelic football player, a great storyteller, and a devoted father who enjoyed watching his kids play sports or participate in activities such as Irish Dancing and the Boy Scouts. Joe and his family shared many happy holiday gatherings with Mike and Nora McDermott. Joe also greatly treasured trips to Ireland and was a faithful Catholic. May his soul rest in the peace and grace of God. Joe was preceded in death by his first wife, Maura, his second wife, Fidelma, and his son, Joey. He is survived by his daughters, Maura (Erik), Donna (Jim), Tereasa (Chuck), his son, Patrick (Dawn), and his daughter-in-law, Beth (Joey - rest in peace). Joe was also the very proud grandfather of Brendan (Anna), Molly (rest in peace), Kevin (Leah), Elle, Grace, Shyanna, Aidan, Shea, McKenna, and Annabelle, and great-grandchildren, Rori and Beckett. On behalf of our Dad, we want to thank everyone for their love, support, and friendship with him and all of us throughout his life, which he embraced with energy, humor, and a commitment to the greater good. We are planning a celebration of life in honor of Joe to take place later this year. We will share more details soon. o In place of flowers, please join us in making a philanthropic gift – in Joe’s honor – to the Hospeace House where Dad received comfort and care from amazing volunteers during his final days. You can send a check to the Hospeace House, Inc., PO Box 343, Naples, NY 14512 or make a gift online (please copy the URL from below and paste in your browser). ** https://hospeacehouse.org/about-us/ ** https://hospeacehouse.org/donate/ MAY THE ROAD RISE UP TO MEET ALL OF YOU! xox Maura, Donna, Patrick, and Tereasa