VERNON "GENE" MCGINNIS

1955 - 2017

ELGIN - Vernon "Gene" McGinnis, a 19-year resident of Elgin, passed away on August 26, 2017, at Loyola Medical Center, Maywood, Illinois after a long and courageous battle with leukemia. Gene was born on February 26, 1955, to Vernon and Loretta (nee Maynard) McGinnis in East Saint Louis, Illinois. Gene was a graduate of Collinsville High School, DePaul University's undergraduate and masters of arts programs, as well as having received a masters degree of science in organization behavior from Benedictine College. His love of knowledge and teaching of others was not limited to corporate life, but also as an adjunct instructor at DePaul University for several years. Gene began his career with AT&T at Illinois Bell, Collinsville, Illinois, in the early 70s and retired in 2000 as a Senior Director, Hoffman Estates, Illinois. He joined JPMorgan Chase, Elgin, Illinois, upon retirement from at&t and ended his working career at Zurich North America Insurance, Schaumburg, Illinois, in 2012 as a compliance consultant. Gene's interests and talents were many. Foremost, his faith and love of God was unconditional. Aside from being known as a master of sarcasm and wit to family and friends, he was known for his diverse intellect, passion of personal computer technology and it's many applications, love of international travel, photography, music, cooking, automobiles, the love of his beloved "boys" (cocker spaniels), and the use of proper grammar by all. Gene is survived by his lifelong partner/ spouse of 33 years, Charles "Rick" Black; sibling Loretta (Paul) Oldham; in-laws Carmen and Linda Marchese, Michael and Debra McGonigle, Sandra Epperson Black, and Sheri Black; a niece, many nephews, great nephews, and great nieces; extended relatives and all those who cherished his friendship. His parents preceded him in death. A celebration of life memorial will be held at Grumpy Goat Tavern and Grill in Elgin on October 21, 2017, at 11 AM for family and friends. Memorials supporting leukemia research, should be made out to Loyola University Chicago, with leukemia research and Gene's name noted somewhere on the check. Gifts should be sent to: Loyola University Medical Center, Attn: Jaimie Scherer, Office of Advancement, 2160 S. First Avenue, Maywood, IL 60153. Any online gifts can be directed to: https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1548/alumni/giving.aspx*sid=1548&gid=2&pgid=497&cid=1256. There is a tribute section where donors can include Gene's name and leukemia research as the directive. Laird Funeral Home, Elgin. 847-741-8800 or www.lairdfamilyfuneralservices.com.