Michael (Mike) R. McGinley

Michael (Mike) R. McGinley, age 82, of Framingham & Plymouth, MA, passed away peacefully on Friday afternoon, May 23rd, at the Brockton VA Medical Center, after a courageous 20-month battle with glioblastoma. He was born on August 7, 1942, in Elgin, Illinois, to Barbara (Hayes) and Franklin R. McGinley. On the day of his birth, his uncle Paul Burlingame was landing with the U.S. Marine Corps at Guadalcanal during World War II - a moment of personal and national significance.

Michael leaves behind his beloved wife, Barbara S. (Zeller) McGinley; sons Stephen R. (Amy) and Matthew C. (Timothea); and stepdaughter Elizabeth R. Chuck (Lucien Noel). He was a proud grandfather to Miles McGinley, Alexa and Archer Noel. He is also survived by his sister Kathy E. Riley (Clair) of Santa Fe, NM, and brother Daniel R. McGinley (Gail) of Tacoma, WA.

Michael was blessed with a loving and supportive family alongside many dear friends from across the country.  He believed that all of God’s Church and human creation are part of one great family.

Over the course of Michael’s life, excluding his active duty with the U.S. Air Force, he lived in nine different states and traveled to more than twenty countries. Michael graduated from high school in 1960, served in the Air Force from 1960 to 1964, and later earned a B.S. in Business Administration from Central Michigan University in 1972. While at CMU, he served as Chief Justice of the Student Court of Appeals, co-founded and presided over the Pre-Law Society, and played defensive back on the freshman football team. He also pursued graduate studies at Kent State University’s business school and took courses at Andover Newton Theological School in Massachusetts.

Professionally, Michael spent 20 years in sales, marketing, and product management within the medical products industry, followed by 7 years in international trade of computer-related products. He also found joy in serving his community and church - especially through music as a choir member. His volunteer work included serving as an EMT with the Sherborn, MA EMS squad, a CPR and First Aid Instructor with the American Red Cross, a Disaster Services team member, an Emergency Services Pilot and Squadron Commander with the Civil Air Patrol, and a volunteer with the Medical Reserve Corps in Framingham, MA.

Two of his favorite quotes were:

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.  Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world may be saved through Him.” (Gospel of John 3:16&17) 

“Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.” (Will Rogers)

Like most humankind, his greatest hope is for peace.  Peace within, peace with the Creator, and peace between all of us.  Peace to you.

Services to honor the life of Michael McGinley will be held on July 12, 2025.  The burial will commence at Lakewood Memorial Park in Elgin, IL at 9:00 AM. The Celebration of Life Service will follow at the First Congregational Church of Elgin at approximately 10:00 AM.

Flowers are coordinated with Town & Country Gardens in Elgin, IL (847.742.1135; Town & Country Gardens | Order Flowers). Donations to veterans' organizations and glioblastoma research are also welcome.

For online guestbook please visit: www.everettfuneral.com

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