William “Bill” Gallagher McGinnis

October 12, 1941 - July 21, 2026

William “Bill” McGinnis died peacefully of natural causes at home, embraced by love and surrounded by his family. He was a hardworking blue-collar man with a charming sense of humor and playful spirit, and remained true to both throughout his life and until his passing on July 21, 2026. He was a salt-of-the-earth kind of man and was a friend to many.

Bill was born on October 12, 1941, in Erie, Pennsylvania, to the late Thomas E. McGinnis (Erie, PA) and Margaret Shannon (Benezette, PA). He spent his childhood in Millcreek and attended Lakewood Elementary School, Millcreek Junior High, and McDowell High School (class of 1959). In his youth, he was an all-American kid and excelled at basketball and football. After High School, he attended Youngstown State University, graduating with a degree in Business Management in 1963.

He was loyal to his alma mater and diligently attended his high school reunions and found much joy in reconnecting with his classmates. Equally, he was proud to be a Youngstown Penguin, even attending YSU football games over half a century after his time there.

During the 1960’-1970’s he was a member of the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA), often participating in road rally events with friends. It was while running these events in his dreamy 1969 Jaguar XKE roadster (which he still owns) that he met the love of his life and soulmate. After a few years of courtship, he and Virginia “Ginny” Cornell were married on July 7, 1977, and shortly thereafter began their family (Ryan Thomas McGinnis (1978) and Shannon Elizabeth McGinnis (1980).

Bill worked hard. At the age of 15, he began working for his family sheet metal fabrication business, Marine Sheet Metal Works (est. 1918), doing menial jobs. However, after obtaining his Business degree, he returned to ‘help out’ for a summer. A summer that lasted for the next 60-odd years. It was deeply rewarding (and frustrating) to work with father, brother, and sister over the years. Still, he had a profound sense of pride in carrying on the family legacy and overseeing a business that lasted over a century.

Bill also played hard. He loved sports and auto racing, and spent his youth attending Formula 1 and CanAm Grand Prixes at Watkins Glen International Raceway in New York. He was also a die-hard supporter of the regional sports teams, for decades rooting for the Cleveland Guardians (Indians) and Browns. Although, as the years passed, it became hard to maintain that allegiance, and he gravitated toward the Buffalo Bills. After all, there is only so much a man can take.

He and Ginny traveled often and always enjoyed experiencing new places. They were fond of National Parks and historical sites, and embarked on several cruises throughout the Caribbean, Alaska, and Europe. It was a true gift in 2009, when he traveled throughout Ireland, visiting County Cork, the birthplace of his lineage.

He loved Erie (although not always the weather). He enjoyed walking, kayaking, fishing, and riding bikes on the Peninsula, attending vintage car shows in the region, driving around listening to the oldies with his children while sipping milkshakes, lounging by his pool with a cold beer, attending the annual Irish Festival at St. Patrick’s Parish, walking and hanging out with his dogs, donuts, burgers, and shooting the breeze and sharing some laughs.

Bill is preceded in death by his father (Thomas E. McGinnis), his mother (Margaret Shannon), his older brother and sister (Thomas McGinnis and Margaret Ellen Burton, respectively), his sister-in-law (Judy Sundy), his brother-in-law (Ron Sundy), his nephew (Michael McGinnis), and his beloved wife whom he lost in 2016 (Dr. Virginia “Ginny” McGinnis). As well as his beloved dogs over the years; Golden Retrievers (Kopper, Riley, and Abbey).

Bill is survived by his children (son) Ryan McGinnis and Kelly McGinnis (daughter-in-law) of La Grange Park, Illinois; (daughter) Shannon McGinnis-Reid and Jason Reid (son-in-law) of Erie, PA. Niece, Lori McGinnis (Erie, PA), nephews Timmy Burton (Ft. Wayne, IN), and David Burton (Erie, PA). His beloved niece Mercedes Sundy (Erie, PA), who was loved like a second daughter. His loyal four-legged companion Gabbey “Princess Gabriella of Beluga.” His neighborhood walking partner and unofficial food taster. As well as his furry grandchildren, Wrigley and Paisley Reid, and Norman McGinnis.

In lieu of flowers, donations to two nonprofit charities that were near and dear to his heart can be made. The ANNA Shelter [https://www.theannashelter.com/], which serves needy and neglected animals, and is where he rescued his beloved Gabbey) and One Mississippi [https://www.mississippiriver.org/], which focuses on the health and resilience of America’s largest waterway (i.e the Mississippi River), where his daughter-in-law, Kelly McGinnis daughter-in-law serves as the Executive Director.

Our family would also like to extend a special thank you to his caregiving staff at Nightingale Nursing and Rehab Center, the staff on the 7th Floor South at UPMC (Hamot), and the UPMC Hospice guardians.

Bill was a good man and will be deeply missed by Gabbey, his family, countless friends, neighbors, and colleagues.

Godspeed!

Visitation & Services will be held on August 2, 2026 (11am – 1pm) at:

Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home

4216 Sterrettania Rd, Erie, PA 16506