Robert Daniel McGinn

Robert Daniel McGinn, December 31, 1937-August 3, 2025.

Robert Daniel McGinn, 87, passed away on August 3, 2025.

Born in Rock Island, Illinois, to James and Nellie McGinn, Robert, known as Bob, was the youngest of three children. He was preceded in death by both his parents; his brother, James McGinn, Jr., and sister, Rosemary Johnson, as well as his three brother-in-laws, Bill Johnson, John Cook, and Tom Cyr, and a niece, Kathleen Williams.

He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of nearly 62 years, Kathleen McGinn. He is also survived by his 7 children, MaryAnn (George) Kuechmann, James (Trena) McGinn, Patricia (Freddy) Canada, Rosemary (Gary) Storm, Michelle (Eduardo) Pesquera, Suzanne McGinn, and Bridget (Jason) Knight. He also leaves behind his beloved 23 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Marilyn Cook, Sue Farrell, Kathy Cyr, and Rosie Cyr-Gorgen; brother-in-law Dan Cyr, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bob went to St. Thomas High School in Ann Arbor, Michigan where he first met Kathleen Cyr. They married in 1963, and, because she was two years younger, he always called her his young beautiful bride, no matter how many years passed. He loved her, respected her, and often said he would be lost without her. She devotedly cared for him in his latter years. Theirs was a true love story, one that endured war, military moves, cancer battles for both of them, and even open heart surgery for Bob. They were partners and truly lived up to their wedding vows. They also loved to travel together and spend time with their kids and grandkids. August 17th would have been their 62nd wedding anniversary.

Bob spent 28 years in the United States Marine Corps, completing boot camp between his junior and senior year of high school. He rose to the rank of Major, even without a college degree, which was unheard of, showing his determination and passion. He was an H-34 helicopter and A-4 attack pilot, a Vietnam Veteran, and the recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with 18 devices, the Purple Heart, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, as well as numerous other commendations. His last duty station was at Whiting Field, where he served as a flight instructor.

After retiring from the military, Bob spent nearly 20 years as an Escambia County Sheriff's Deputy. He was often seen buying a hot dog and dog food for the area's homeless and their pets while on duty. His fondest years as a deputy were providing court security for the judges and lawyers at the Escambia County Courthouse.

48 years of his life was spent in service to his country and community and he did so proudly.

His greatest pride, however, was being a husband and father. He loved his wife and children fiercely. Despite working long hours, you could often find him at Pace High School's athletic and academic events cheering on his children. After graduating from PHS, all seven of his children earned college degrees and he was front and center with a camera at every one of their graduations. Education was important to Bob and he himself earned both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree from Troy University. He inspired and encouraged his children in so many ways. His son followed in his footsteps and became a pilot in the Air Force, five of his daughters became teachers like their mother, and one became a nurse. His legacy of service was passed on.

He also loved being a grandpa-nothing made him happier than holding and rocking a newborn baby in his signature rocking position. He always said 7 children, 23 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren wasn't nearly enough. He had a special bond with each of his grandchildren and made a "quacking" noise when they were young that earned him the name Grandpa Duck. Being a fan of Harry Houdini, Bob, a skilled magician himself, would often delight his children and grandchildren with magic tricks.

Semper Fidelis wasn't just a motto to Bob-he truly lived it. He was a faithful Marine, Deputy, husband, and father. He never wavered and was always resolute, never backing down from doing what was right. He wasn't just an American hero, he was our hero.

He will be deeply missed by his wife, children, and grandchildren, but we take comfort in the fact that he lived an extraordinary and meaningful life.

We love you, dad-we will continue to make you proud and we are so thankful you were our father.

A visitation for Robert McGinn will be held on Tuesday, August 5th from 6:00-8:00pm at Lewis Funeral Home Milton Chapel. His funeral service will be held on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at Lewis Funeral Home Milton Chapel, 6405 Highway 90 W, Milton, Florida 32570 at 11:15am. Interment will be at Barrancas National Cemetery.

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