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Robert McGinley Obituary
SHREWSBURY - Robert K. McGinley, 77, Retired Shrewsbury Chief of Police, died Thursday, May 30, 2013 in his home with his loving family by his side.
Robert was born and raised in Shrewsbury, son of the late Harold K. and Elizabeth H. (Mullins) McGinley. He graduated from Major Beal High School and later received an Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice from Quinsigamond Junior College. He served his county proudly with the United States Coast Guard, being honorably discharged in January of 1961.
Robert was first employed for the Town of Shrewsbury as a part-time fire fighter from 1954 to 1962 and in 1962 he became a full-time Patrolman in the Police Department. He was promoted to Sergeant in 1974 and in1980 became Chief of the Department. He retired in1998, after serving 18 years as Chief of Police for the Town of Shrewsbury. His rising through the ranks of the Department was a reflection of his ability, dedication to duty and keen interest in the delivery of police service to the town he loved so much.
He was a member of the International Chiefs Association; The Massachusetts Chiefs Association where he was a past member of the Executive Board; New England Chiefs Association; Past President of the Central Massachusetts Chiefs Association; Past Secretary of the Shrewsbury Municipal Employees Credit Union; a member of Knights of Columbus, Alhambra Council # 88 in Worcester and a member of Saint Mary's Parish in Shrewsbury.
He leaves his devoted wife of 10 years, Marion E. (Sweeney) McGinley. His first wife and mother of his children, Nancy J. (MacLeod) McGinley died in 1999. He is survived by his children, Robert P. McGinley and his wife Mary and William H. McGinley, both of Shrewsbury, Christopher J. McGinley of Sutton, Cheryl A. Westerlind and her husband Gene of Millbury and Pamela J. Lacasse and her husband Jeffrey of Worcester; step-son, Vincent P. Scanlon and his wife MaryEllen of Holden and step-daughter, Tara A. Lyons and her husband David of Shrewsbury and thirteen grandchildren that where the light of his life; also survived by a cousin, Mary O'Connor of Hingham; a niece; and many wonderful longtime friends. He was predeceased by a daughter, Suzanne E. (McGinley) Ankrah; daughter-in- law, Susan (Carter) McGinley and a sister, Ann Stefan.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Robert's family on Monday, June 3, 2013 from 3-7 PM in the Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home, 648 Main Street, Shrewsbury. His funeral will be from the funeral home on Tuesday, June 4, 2013 with his funeral Mass being celebrated at 10 AM in Saint Mary's Church, 640 Main St., Shrewsbury. Burial with military honors will be in Mountain View Cemetery, Shrewsbury. If one wishes, please help support the charity of the Massachusetts Police Chiefs Association and send contributions to the Jimmy Fund, 10 Brookline Place West, 6th Floor, Brookline, MA 02445-7295. To leave a note of condolence for Robert's family or to view his Book of Memories, please visit:
www.brittonfuneralhomes.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert McGinley
harry shepherd
May 25, 2023
still think of my friend often. We spent quite a few good times together over the years. He was the life of a party. Will reunite with you some day up above. God Bless.
harry shepherd
June 16, 2013
To the Mcginley family, just learned of Bob' passing. Spent many years knowing him and enjoyed his humor and wit. Will miss him. My prayers are with you. Harry Shepherd, Retired Chief of Police, Westborough.
June 8, 2013
To the McGinleys, May, Vinny and Tara, thinking of you all so very much. We are so very sorry.
Fondly,
The Gangi Family
(Zamarro)
Kerri Monahan
June 6, 2013
I am sorry for the loss of your Dad
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Linda Mastrototoro
June 6, 2013
Dear Cheryl, So sorry to hear of your father's passing. I lived in Shrewsbury all of my life and Chief McGinley was a wonderful patrolman all the way up to Chief. Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Moe Terlizzi
June 5, 2013
Dear Chris and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories and the fact that you Dad was so loved and respected by so many bring you comfort.
Sincerely,
Moe Terlizzi
Br John Doyle, CFX
June 4, 2013
I was always proud to know that my classmate, Bob, did so well and worked so hard for the citizens of Shrewsbury.
He and you his family are in my prayers
June 4, 2013
Billy and Bubba sorry to hear of your dads passing.Our deepest condolences. the boys at dal tile
Jonathan Sayegh
June 3, 2013
My "Uncle Bob" was one of my favorite people growing up. I will never forget his kindness, strength and wonderful sense of humor. My heart goes out to my cousins, the McGinley's, extended family and also the town of Shrewsbury, whose residents will forever owe Chief Robert McGinley a debt of gratitude for his years of service.
David and Cambi Cassanelli
June 3, 2013
To The McGinley Family,
We are so very sorry for the loss of your beloved husband, father and grandfather. How lucky we all were to have had Chief McGinley protecting our community.You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Our Deepest Sympathy,
The Cassanelli Family
John H. Wilson
June 3, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Brother Stephen Comeau, CFX
June 3, 2013
Shrewsbury has lost one of its finest sons! My prayers and condolences to the family.
Lisa Arello
June 3, 2013
My heart is sad to learn of this news. It has been a please and honor to know you this past year. God Bless you.
Judy Wainaina
June 2, 2013
Deep sadness to have you gone. I pray that God keep you in heaven until we meet again. So much love for you Mrs McGinley and all your children and may God calm your spirit as you go through this difficult time. I love you and will be here for you as always ,
Judy your home nurse
June 2, 2013
Being involved with horses, and living closer to the area back then, I first met Bob when a friend and I would go to the Buttonwood Horse Auction on Tuesday nights. He was new to being Chief way back then and four of us would have some pretty intense discussions. I do not get out that way much anymore living now in the peaceful town of Manchaug but my thoughts every now and again would ramble back to those days and the talks the four of us would have.
my sympathy to the family. Rest peacefully Bob.
Carolynn (Autumn Wind Song) Dumas
Pat Ton
June 2, 2013
The chief's service to his country and his town was admirable. His was indeed a life well lived. May God bless Bob's loved ones as they face the difficult days ahead.
June 2, 2013
My thoughts and prayers for your loss. The cheif deserved his angels wings!!! god Bless
Mark & Caroline Gates
June 2, 2013
To The McGinley family- We are so sad to hear of your Father's passing. You are in our thoughts and pryaers.
Peter Fohlin
June 2, 2013
So many fond memories of Officer then Chief McGinley over 50 years. Mentor in my youth, friend in adulthood. Thought of him often, will remember him always.
Stephen & Mary Coghlin
June 2, 2013
R.I.P. Chief! Always going to remember you when I was cadet for Shrewsbury Police Debt. You taught about how to follow the law and be a great person. To the McGinley and Scanlon family, you guys are great friends. You in our prayers. God bless all of you.
Linda (Angelico) Sweet
June 2, 2013
To the McGinley and Scanlon family,
May your memories and love of this wonderful man, father , husband and grandfather sustain you during this difficult time. My memories go back some 48 years....I will always keep him close in my heart.
Pam
June 1, 2013
To Deb Holmquist, I am so sorry for your loss.
Dave&Denise Nordstrom
June 1, 2013
I'm proud to say I worked in the BLDG Dept during Bobs tenure. I will miss your requests. Our prayers go out to the McGinley Family
Robert Newton
June 1, 2013
I went to school and North High School with Bob - he was an usher at my Wedding - very sorry to hear of his passing. Bob and Diane (Weagle) Newton
Andrew Giangaspro
June 1, 2013
Bobby, Billy, my deepest sympathy with the loss of your dad. He's with the angels now watching over us all. God be with you all.
Dave and Liz Schulze
June 1, 2013
To the McGinley Family,
Wishing you fondest memories of your father and grandfather. He was a great "dad" to all the neighborhood kids growing up. We will definitely miss him.
Paul Kenary
June 1, 2013
I am so saddened to hear of Bob's passing. He was the greatest friend and Chief to work for. My sincere sympathy to all at this difficult time.
DENNIS BRENNAN
June 1, 2013
Hon. and Mrs. Dennis Brennan extend their condolences to Chief McGinley's family.
Norman May
June 1, 2013
My heartfelt sympathy to Bob's family. He will be missed by many.
May 31, 2013
To all of "Uncle Bob's" family- thinking of you all and remembering the strength and courage he has shown all of us. My sincerest sympathy, Suellen (credit union)
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