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Joseph McGuinness Obituary
Joseph McGuinness, 55, of New City passed away Friday, February 12, 2016. Born November 18,1960 in Suffern to John J. and Florence McGuinness, Joe graduated from Clarkstown South High School and Manhattan College. He married the former Cynthia Pierce of Manhasset, NY on June 6, 1987. He is survived by his wife Cynthia and his three children, Megan, Patrick and Conor, and by 24 nieces and nephews. His family was his life.
Visitation will be at Albertus Magnus H.S, 798 NY-304, Bardonia, NY 10954 on Sunday, February 14 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. and Monday, February 15 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 16 at 10:00 a.m. at Saint Augustine's Church, 140 Maple Ave., New City, NY 10956.
In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to The American Cancer Society.
Michael J. Higgins
Funeral Service
321 South Main Street
New City, NY 10956
845-634-6110
mjhigginsnewcity.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph McGuinness
Joseph w Michalak
February 7, 2024
Joe, we honor you as a great person a wonderful family we all miss you the Michalak family
Harry Steinway
February 13, 2023
It has been a year since Joe died. He is gone from us, but not forgotten. I think of Joe all the time, especially now during the basketball season. My son Kyle is an assistant basketball coach at Sacred Heart University in Connecticut and when he was a boy he attend Joe's camp. In fact he stayed with Joe and his family. Joe was extremely principled. I remember a big game with a nationally ranked team. That team's best player was going to be missing to participate in a wedding. Joe rescheduled the game. I said Joe we would likely beat the team without their star. Joe said, it was not mean anything with a key player missing. We won while they had their All-American player. I have dozens of wonderful stories about Joe. Cynthia and the kids I wish you all the best as you think of your own wonderful memories of Joe.
Rick Johnson
February 18, 2016
Got to know Joe through Coach K's basketball camps. He helped me get a job in Ireland in the 80's. He was a great person that will truly be missed. I was able to talk with him back in Sept. I did not know he was sick at that time. Coach K has brought a lot of people together. I am fortunate that I was able to know Joe. God be with you!! All my love goes to Joe's family.
Gary Fischer
February 17, 2016
I moved to Rockland 35 years ago and Joe was the best person I've ever met. My son played ball for him. He was a great coach and an even better person. My thoughts and prayers are with the McGuinness family.
February 17, 2016
Condolences to the McGuinness family. I have a fond memory of Joe teaching me lefty layup drills in the backyard of his nephew Eddie's communion party. Ever since then, he would always stop and say hello. What a guy.
Much love
-Jimmy Alexander, Daisy, and Joe.
Kathleen (Monaghan) Delaney
February 17, 2016
Heartfelt sympathies to the McGuinness clan on the passing of Joe. Some of my fondest memories are from Poplar Street and Hickory Drive with all us kids running around.
Peace to you all.
February 16, 2016
It was Ed McGrath, the great Clarkstown High School Basketball Coach, who introduced me to Joey McGuinness. I had just been named Head Basketball Coach at Trinity College, and had but a few weeks to recruit before the admission deadline intervened.
At Ed's suggestion, I went to see Joey play and was struck by his skill, his passion, and his leadership qualities. During that recruiting period, I had the pleasure of getting to know Joey's dad, John, a wonderful man; a memorable father and son team.
About a month later, Joey called me to say that he had been offered an appointment to West Point. Even though I knew that Trinity College had lost out on a blue chipper, I was thrilled for Joey and his family.
When Joey wrapped up an outstanding college career at West Point and Manhattan, I was among a group of Americans working on the development of Irish basketball. When Joey contacted me about playing in Ireland, and teaching the game to Irish children, I knew that Irish basketball would take a long step forward. A year or so later, when checking up on our American representatives on a call with an Irish colleague, I asked how Joey was doing.
"Ah... Joey... why he's doing grand, just grand. A handy player and... well... a beautiful lad. A most beautiful lad."
That he was. And the beautiful lad turned out to be a splendid man blessed gift to our world.
RIP Joey.
Dan Doyle
West Hartford, Connecticut
Frank Murphy
February 16, 2016
So sorry to hear of Joes passing remembering the good times we had with him here in Crosshaven, great player, great coach,and more importantly a great guy my condolences to Cynthia and the McGuinness family.The world has lost a true Gentleman R.I.P Joe.
Freds Impastato
February 16, 2016
My deepest sympathies to the entire McGuinness family.
Kieran Enright
February 16, 2016
Deeply saddened to hear about Joe's passing. Joe was an inspirational figure during the time he spent in Crosshaven in the 1980s. It was a joy to see him back in Crosshaven in 2014 coaching the next generation of young players. We will miss him. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
Sheila Tighe
February 15, 2016
So sorry to hear the news of Joe's passing. My deepest condolence to Cynthia and family. I loved watching Joe play ball at Manhattan. He was as tough as they come. RIP
Tom Hallinan
February 15, 2016
Joe has left us a legacy of loyalty, love and friendship that we all must carry on.
February 15, 2016
Joe was a fixture at Albertus Magnus High School. He will be truly missed.Aunt Diane and Uncle Joe
Jack McMahon
February 15, 2016
Very sad to hear the news of Joe's passing. In collage, Joe exhibited a zest for life and love of family. My condolences to you Cynthia and your three children. I remember with a smile Joe "correcting" the stat sheet regarding his number of assists following every Manhattan basketball game. Jasper Nation has lost a fine man. Thoughts and prayers to all of the McGuinness family.
Mike McDonald
February 15, 2016
It was so sad to hear of Joe's passing. I was lucky enough to have been able have to call him a friend. So many people have been blessed to have known him and I'm sure each of them have their own favorite memory of him.
Mycondolences to Cynthia and the entire McGuinnessfamily.
Rich Dobson
February 15, 2016
He was a really great basketball player. Very talented with impeccable court sense and tremendous desire. Off the court such a great guy. I never heard him utter a bad word toward anyone. A real gentleman.
Colleen Sullivan- Evangelista
February 15, 2016
I was so sorry to hear about the loss of Joe. He grew up in my childhood neighborhood in Nanuet, NY. We all took such pride having grown up in a great neighborhood surrounding by loving and crazy Irish and Italian families :) My thoughts and prayers go to his immediate family. Clarkstown mourns a great loss to our community. Rest in peace Joe!
Stephanie Ebner Brady
February 15, 2016
We are so sorry to hear of Joe's passing, a terrific coach and a great guy. Joe invited my son, Matt to go on a basketball tour of Ireland in high school. One of the stand out events in his life.The trip changed his life forever. The Ebner family and the Brady family send their condolences.
Pauline & Michael Barry
February 15, 2016
So sorry to hear about Joe's death, a special friend. Very fond memories of him, his family and times with the basketball club. Our thoughts and prayers are with Cynthia and the family.
Mario Alexandre
February 15, 2016
R.I.P.
Christine Crowley
February 15, 2016
Christine. Crowley from Ireland here sorry we can't be with ye sad time joe was a dear friend to us we loved him dearly and he will be missed by all we are praying for all joes family may he rest in peace masses offered
Rob DiBella
February 15, 2016
Our deepest condolences to the McGuinness family, he was a kind man and a great coach.
Diane & George Wanamaker
February 15, 2016
It is with great sadness that we read of Joe's passing. Our deepest sympathies to the McGuinness family. May he rest in peace
Annette Orlando
February 15, 2016
I met Joe when he was a 14yr old star on the Basketball court of CHSS with Coach Orlando!
My father, "Mr. O" adored him as a player but most of all as a person, he was one of my fathers "boys"!
I know my dad greeted him upon entering the gates of Heaven. RIP Joe, you were a wonderful person on this earth!
Micheal Murphy
February 15, 2016
It is with great sadness that I learn today of Joe's passing. Joe coached me in the early 80s in Crosshaven,Cork in Ireland and developed my love for the game of basketball. Not only was Joe a great coach but also became a good friend during his time in Ireland. I later met Joe in Milwaukee in 1990 when he arranged for me to meet him for a college game. Joe will always be fondly remembered in my home and in Crosshaven. I send my sincere condolences to Joe's family and friends and our prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Margaret Canty
February 15, 2016
My prayers are with joes family at this sad time we all loved joe from all the canty family in crosshaven
Michael Barry
February 15, 2016
Very sad to hear the sad news , Joe was a huge part of Crosshaven Basketball Club in Co Cork back in the eighties, he coached me and most if not all the kids as well as winning the national league as a player which was a huge achievement for a small village club. It was fantatic to see Joe back in Crosshaven in 2014 to run a basketball camp . My deepest sympathy to Cynthia and your family. RIP Joe
Micheal Murphy
February 15, 2016
It is with great sadness that I learn today of Joe's passing. Joe coached me in the early 80s in Crosshaven,Cork in Ireland and developed my love for the game of basketball. Not only was Joe a great coach but also became a good friend during his time in Ireland. I later met Joe in Milwaukee in 1990 when he arranged for me to meet him for a college game. Joe will always be fondly remembered in my home and in Crosshaven. I send my sincere condolences to Joe's family and friends and our prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Mary & Ronan Mc Keown
February 14, 2016
"Our deepest sympathy to the McGuinness family on hearing of Joe's passing, may his gentle soul rest in peace. Ronan and I had the pleasure of meeting him and Ronan enjoyed his coaching in NY at Albertus Magnus while on tour from Galway with Joe Coughlan and Titans some years ago"
Julie Moetzinger
February 14, 2016
My prayers are with the McGuinness family. This was an absolute shock to learn and not easy to take. Mr. McGuinness was always there to talk to whenever a student was in need, and I will never forget his kindness. Rest in peace coach...you will be missed.
Gina Naughton
February 14, 2016
My deepest sympaty to Joe's family at this very sad time. I met Joe briefly on one of his coaching trips to Ireland. He was a true gent and left a lasting impression on the young players he came into contact with during his coaching camps and when the Irish boys visited Pearl River some years ago. May he rest in peace as his legacy will live on in all of the lives he touched
February 14, 2016
Our deepest sympathy, Randy and Carlin Ognibene
Lisa, Tom, Alan and Julia Fisher
February 14, 2016
Cynthia and family, Joe's Sisters and Brothers.
What a wonderful legacy of fans Joe has created through his love of coaching and sharing of his time with everyone. The love you have all given in the last year as you supported Joe; is one that we all will envy for true family love. Cynthia, my heart aches for you,know we are all here and send our love.
May God's love lift you up as you celebrate Joe's life.
Carlos Fidalgo
February 14, 2016
God Bless you Joe and your family.
Bob and Debbie Paul
February 14, 2016
Our three boys graduated from Albertus and all were lucky to be coached by Joe. The passion Joe had for sports combined with his uncommon devotion for the school and students, was truly very special. I remember him bringing his own children to school while he was spending time with his players and students. He was a great family man and father as well. As years past, we would bump into Joe from time to time and he would always ask the boys by name. He will truly be missed. Our sincere condolences to entire McGuinness family.
Barbara and Jack Barbera
February 14, 2016
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Roy Smith
February 14, 2016
My deepest Sympathy to the McGuinness family. I've learned and shared a great deal that i llearned from Coach McGuinness.
Harry Steinway
February 14, 2016
It is with deep shock and much sadness that I learned of Joe's passing. I hired and had the pleasure of working with Joe as he served so successfully as head men's basketball coach and director of student activities at Mount Saint Mary College. Joe was an outstanding coach and an even better human being. He was principled and cared deeply about people. Family was so important to Joe. When Joe called no matter what the topic he always took the time to ask about every member of my family. Cynthia, to you and your entire family, I am so sorry.
Tom Parke
February 14, 2016
My prayers are with the McGuinness family. Joe so many great memories, you coaching and the fun pick up basketball games at Pearl River gym in the Orangetown Recreation program on the weekends. Joe you touch so many people in your life making them a better person. Rest in peace, Joe you will be remember forever. Coach Tom Parke
Ray Gaffney
February 14, 2016
I had the privledge to have Joe as by boss when he worked at Tappan Zee HS as the A.D. Joe was a wonderful boss and even a better guy. Your life on earth was to short, however, God has a plan for you and whatever it maybe Joe will give it his all with a smile on his face. RIP my friend.
Ray Gaffney
TZ Swimming
Tim Cain
February 13, 2016
I am deeply saddened by this news and offer my most sincere condolences to Cynthia and the entire McGuinness family. Joe was my point guard, my leader, and of course, my friend. So many memories, Joe will be missed by us all.
Ralph Rogo
February 13, 2016
As the head coach of the Nanuet boys basketball program I was able to see how truly dedicated and caring Joe was to all athletes of not only Albertus Magnus and Tappan Zee, but throughout Rockland County and all of Section 1. Thanks Joe for all of the great coaching memories and for being such a great friend. Rest in peace and God bless your family.
Brian McCullagh
February 13, 2016
McGuinness Family, We are so deeply saddened by the loss of Joe. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this heartbreaking time. May the love of your family fill your broken hearts. Love Brian & Denise McCullagh
John Humenn
February 13, 2016
Very sad news. Joe's priority was always the students and he'll be missed.
Frank X. McKenna
February 13, 2016
I didn't know
You in life but I saw God in your eyes & knew you had him in your life. God Speed to Him
Alan Katz
February 13, 2016
40 years goes by in an instant...you have made an indelible imprint on the community...you family should be rightfully proud of your legacy....rest in peace my friend.
Bill McLellan
February 13, 2016
Deepest condolences Cynthia, and to your three beautiful children. My fondest memories of Joe from college; tough as nails on the court and fun loving off of the court.
JASPER Forever. Prayers and love, Bill Mc.
"Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning" - Psalm 30:5
Michael Hogan
February 13, 2016
Wow! This is shocking! My college basketball coach for a year and a half. After I stopped playing basketball at Mount Saint Mary he made sure to keep me involved as a member of his staff, and really gave me free reign to handle all of the sports information duties for the men's basketball team since MSMC didn't have one. I guess he is one of the ones that helped to set me on my path in this business. RIP Coach McGuinness. And thoughts and prayers to your wife Cynthia and your family.
fjohn reinke (mc1968)
February 13, 2016
The Manhattan College alumni community shares the grief, and is now praying for our fellow alumni and the family at this time. The Alumni Office has been informed. As well as the Jasper Jottings community that I personally can reach. We are all a little poorer now. "No man is an island, entire of itself ... any mans death diminishes me". We are sorry for your loss.
Robert J Marik
February 13, 2016
As a parent who had three children graduate from Albertus Magnus and a past school board board member and Chairman for 6 years I had worked and interacted directly with Joe in a number of ways during his tenure there- a totally dedicated individual and a great person as well- my sincere condolences.
Jim Michalak
February 13, 2016
Joe, I will miss you so much. When I would visit home if you where across the street, you would stop by with the biggest smile and a welcome hug to me and my wife Mary. I will never forget the memories of growing up with you and all the family memories we shared. We had a lot of fun. Love Jim and Mary
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Michael J. Higgins Funeral Service, Inc. - New City321 South Main Street, New City, NY 10956
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