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Robert McGinnis Obituary

McGINNIS, DR. ROBERT G., Ph.D., 78, of Metcalf Drive passed away Wednesday October 15, 2008 at the Philip Hulitar Hospice Care Center. He was the beloved husband of Gertrude (Walsh) McGinnis. They were married for 57 years.

Born in Central Falls he was a son of the late George F. and Marie (Dolan) McGuinness Benedict and a stepson of the late Clinton Benedict. He lived in Cumberland for the past 53 years and was formerly of Pawtucket.

He graduated from Pawtucket West High School (now Shea High School). He received his Bachelor Degree from Stone Hill College, his Master's degree from R.I. College and his Doctorate from Nova University in Florida.

Before retiring he was the Superintendent of the Cumberland School Department, prior to that he was the Assistant Superintendent and a Guidance Counselor. Dr. McGinnis was also a Teacher and Guidance Counselor for East Providence High School for 10 years. He also taught in the Graduate Program at both Providence College and Johnson and Wales University. He was a founder of the Northern Rhode Island Education Collaborative and a member of the Board of Directors of the Cumberland Municipal Employees Federal Credit Union as well as a Moderator of the North Cumberland Fire District and a member of the Democratic Town Committee.

Besides his wife he leaves his loving daughters Kathleen Majkut of Warwick, Kolleen McGinnis of Kingston and Kristine Bettencourt of Pawtucket, 7 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be held Saturday at 7:30 A.M. from the Karol A. Romenski & Sons Funeral Home 342 High Street Central Falls with a Mass of Christian Burial in The Historic St. Joseph's Church 1303 Mendon Road Cumberland at 9:00 A.M. Relatives and friends are welcome to attend. CALLING HOURS FRIDAY FROM 4:00 P.M. TO 7:00 P.M. Burial will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery Cumberland.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Providence Journal on Oct. 16, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert McGinnis

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Donna Knight

October 15, 2022

Bob,
14 years since you moved on from your earthly constraints.
Your legacy continues in our hearts & minds. So much love!
Donna

Karen Vachon

November 11, 2008

Dear Gert, Kathy, Kolleen, and Kris,

I was so shocked and saddened to hear about Bob. My prayers are with you. I will always remember the wonderful conversations we had, and how he helped me find a career I love.

Donna Knight

November 2, 2008

Gert,Kathy,Kolleen,Kris & Family,
I was so saddened to learn of Bob's passing. Growing up, I wanted to follow in his footsteps and become a great teacher. Of course he surpassed that by becoming a respected, loved and admired administrator. Gary and I met him and Manny in Boston once, and we had the time of our lives hopping from restaurant to restaurant (in the North End), making jovial fun with perfect strangers!!
I have missed him throughout these past few years and will do so the rest of my life...as I know you all will.
Love,
Donna

Virginia Zurowski

October 22, 2008

Dear Gert,
I offer you my deepest condolences on the passing of Bob. Cumberland lost one of its best citizens. I will always remember his warmth, generosity, and good humor.
Sincerely,
Virginia Zurowski

robert powers

October 19, 2008

Dear Gert & Family,
Ronnee & I offer our deepest condolences on the passing of Dr. McGinnis. Bob was a dear friend & great humanitarian. As a Director of Guidance & Superintendent of Schools, he went beyond what would be expected in helping students & families. As an Administrator, his greatest strength was the ability to work effectively with all kinds of issues & people.
Ronnee & I only learned of his passing this past Saturday. We had been traveling to Naples, Florida.
Bob & Ronnee Powers
Cotuit, Ma.

Maureen Kelly

October 18, 2008

Kathy, Steve, Cristin, Cailin, Sean and all the McGinnis family,

Dan and I are so sorry to hear about Bob. May all your memories help you through this sad time. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Love, Maureen and Dan

October 17, 2008

Kris,
I am very sorry to hear of the loss of your father. My heart goes out to you, the kids and your family.
Lauren (Buffi) Plante

Anita Hovey

October 17, 2008

Kathy (Little Sis),Steve and Family,
My heart goes out to you all at this time of great loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you mourn your father and grandfather's passing.Love and Hugs,
Anita (Big Sis)

Matthew Nasif

October 17, 2008

To Gert and the entire McGinnis family,
Please accept my deepest condolences to all of you. In my first years of teaching, Bob had offered me a great deal of advice and humorous anecdotes to make it through those trying times. He was a great story teller and could always make me laugh on a Friday afternoon. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.

Dianne Blevons

October 17, 2008

Dear Kathy, Steve, and family,
Please know that Scott, Zach, and I are thinking of you and your loss. It's a blessing that you have such a loving and connected family. Take care of yourselves and each other!

My deepest sympathy,
Dianne Blevons

Frank Geiselman

October 17, 2008

Dear Gert & Family:
Please accept my deepest sympathies for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.

Sally Majkut

October 16, 2008

Grampa Joe called us late last night to tell us of Bob's death. We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May you all be blessed with the Grace you need to get through the days ahead. We love you and are holding all the McGinnis' and McGinnis Majkuts in our hearts.
Love,
Sally and Kevin

Kara Plant

October 16, 2008

Kris
My deepest condolences to you and your familly

Mary H. Murphy

October 16, 2008

Kathy and family
We are very sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you. Bob and Mary Murphy

Lisa Metivier (Dias)

October 16, 2008

Mom (Kolleen)Kelli and family, We are very sorry to hear about your loss, our thoughts are with all of you. If you need anything let me know. Love you, Lisa, Shane, Josh and Bella..xoxo

Michael Lawson

October 16, 2008

To the entire McGinnis family, we would like to extend our love and wishes for all through this difficult time. Kathy, you are a great "big sister" and my heart is with you.
Love to all! Mike, Kris, Hannah and Ben Lawson

Earlene Mara

October 16, 2008

Dear Gert, Kathy, Kolleen and Kris. I am so sorry to learn of the loss of this good man. I am visiting in Washington, DC, and will be unable to attend Bob's funeral service. Please accept my deepest sympathy.

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Funeral services provided by:

Karol A. Romenski & Son, Inc. Funeral Home & Cremation Services

342 High Street, Central Falls, RI 02863

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