Michael P. Ginolfi

ROCKPORT, MA - Michael P. Ginolfi, beloved husband of Margaret "Peggy" (Vingee) Ginolfi, passed away at home in Rockport on December 11, 2025 with his family.
Born in Stamford, CT, in 1942, Mike was the son of the late Felix and Lucille (Conte) Ginolfi. He was raised and educated in Stamford and graduated with the Stamford High School Class of 1961. Mike first began dating the love of his life, Peggy, in junior high school, and the two had been inseparable ever since. They married in 1964 and had 61 wonderful years and countless memories together, eventually moving to Rockport, MA in 2001.
Michael is survived by his devoted wife Peggy; his daughter, Susan Houde of Medway, MA; and his son, Peter Ginolfi, and his wife, Heather, of Ipswich, MA. He leaves behind five adored grandchildren, Stephanie and her husband Bill Bishoff of Medway, MA; Sam Houde of Plymouth, ME; Shannon and her husband Stone Breakey of Medway, MA; Tom Ginolfi of Brooklyn, NY; and Will Ginolfi of Ipswich, MA as well as precious great-granddaughters, Faye, Charlotte and Ophelia. He was predeceased by his two brothers John and Pat Ginolfi.
Growing up, Mike excelled on the football field - a passion that shaped his life and career. His talent earned him a full scholarship to Northeastern University in Boston, MA, where he proudly played on the Huskies football team. After graduating in 1965, he began his teaching and coaching career in Keene, NH, serving as a physical education teacher and head football coach. His teams were highly successful, culminating in a New Hampshire State Championship in 1970.
Mike later moved his family to Billerica, MA, where he continued teaching and coaching at Saugus High School. Under his leadership, Saugus earned North East Conference titles in 1975 and 1977. In recognition of his outstanding coaching career, Mike was inducted into the Massachusetts Football Coaches Hall of Fame in 1992. He was inducted into the Saugus High School Hall of Fame and served as the school's athletic director from 1982 until his retirement in 2002.
Throughout his career, Mike guided countless students in pursuing their college and athletic goals and built lifelong friendships, including an enduring bond with former player and dear friend John Nicolo of Saugus, MA.
Family was the center of Mike's world. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather who created a lifetime of treasured memories. Vacations on Cape Cod, fishing and boating in the Merrimack River, and legendary Christmas Eve feasts will never be forgotten.
Mike loved a good road trip. Whether it was a two-month family camping adventure across America's national parks, vacations to Florida, pilgrimages to college football stadiums, or spontaneous trips for a memorable meal, his journeys were always filled with stories, laughter, and conversation. For him, the destination was always secondary to simply being together.
As a grandfather, he was cherished beyond measure by his five grandchildren. "Papa" held a special place in each of their hearts, forming bonds as unique as the children themselves and leaving an indelible imprint on their lives. He was a steady, loving presence from their earliest days through adulthood, celebrating every milestone by their side-on holidays, at games, recitals, graduations, and weddings. His love for them was constant and unconditional, and they returned that love with equal devotion.
Visitation hours will be on Monday, December 22 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Greely Funeral Home located at 212 Washington St., Gloucester, MA. Burial will be held on Tuesday, December 23 at 11:00 a.m. in Locust Grove Cemetery in Gloucester. Family and close friends are invited to attend.
Arrangements by Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester, MA.
For online condolences please visit www.greelyfuneralhome.com