Thomas McGinnis
On Sunday November 18, 2018, Thomas McGinnis, beloved and devoted husband, father, and grandfather, passed away at the age of 76 at home.
He was born to Angus and Dolores McGinnis in Jamestown, NY on October 7, 1942. He received a BA degree from Creighton University and an MS and PhD in Philosophy from Saint Louis University. He found his calling in guiding and mentoring hundreds of students in academic advising at Saint Louis University. His career at the university spanned over 40 years and included time as Dean of the department. He remained engaged with philosophy by teaching intermittently in the School for Professional Studies at Saint Louis University, as well as at Belleville Area College.
On January 15, 1972, he married Joan Marie Falke, and they raised two daughters, Sara (Lee) and Katie (Stuhlsatz) in Webster Groves, Missouri.
As he approached retirement, he pursued his appreciation of beauty through painting. He also took up classical piano lessons and played duplicate bridge. Probably most of all he enjoyed special time with his grandchildren, Patrick & Dominic Lee, and Claire & Gabby Stuhlsatz. He volunteered his time with social ministry at St. Francis Xavier (College) Church. He was a lifelong learner and an avid reader. His friends and family knew him as extraordinarily thoughtful and gentle.
Tom is survived by his wife, daughters, sons-in-law Kevin Lee and Paul Stuhlsatz, and grandchildren. He is remembered with deep fondness by long-time friends Judy and Ed Carlson and their family, and dear friend Linda Menzel.
A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, November 24 at St. Francis Xavier (College) Church at Saint Louis University at 10:30 a.m. Visitation will be at 9:00 a.m. A celebration of life will be held in December. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Social Ministry Committee at St. Francis Xavier Church (sfxstl.org), the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (pancan.org) or Mid-America Transplant (midamericatransplant.org).
Tom was my second cousin. I only met him a few years ago at my Aunt Rose Marie’s funeral. I had met and known Aunt Dolores, his mother, very beautiful lady. Tom was a very nice man when we met at the Hyatt in Corning. I had heard a lot about him over the years and he was very friendly to me and my brother Pat. I’m so sorry to hear about this. To Joan and Sarah, who I also met then and his other daughter you have my deep condolences. God Bless!
The Vedova’s would like to offer our condolences to Joan and her extended family. We enjoyed speaking with Tom over the years when out for walks in the neighborhood. And, he was so kind to give my husband, Mick, rides a couple of times. Such a sweet man.
Tom McGinnis was a really, really fine person. His friends and family will miss him dearly.
I first met Tom in the fall of 1964 when we were first year students in a graduate philosophy class. We quickly became friends, and as the second year approached I asked him if he might like to share a room with me in the newly refurbished Coronado graduate student dorm. He agreed, and the room we got was in the corner of the building on the third floor, perfectly located to serve as the party room for all the students in philosophy and history. And the parties were numerous and very alcoholic, and they went on till all hours of the morning. After two years in the Coronado, we moved to the Sacred Heart Ladies house, a short distance away, where we stayed for a couple of additional years.
After Tom met Joan, I became friends with Joan’s friend Judy, and I recall the four of us going out on the town a number of times together. When Tom and Joan decided to get married, I was honored to serve as best man at their wedding.
After Tom and I got our Ph.D’s, Tom remained in Saint Louis, and I moved to San Diego. The geographical separation led to our seeing less of each other in the years that followed, but I feel that Tom has remained just as good a friend over the past 50 years as he was when we first met. I really regret that I won’t be seeing him again.
Please accept my condolences. Mr. McGinnis was a dear family friend who was a close friend of my father. He enriched the lives of others and was a bright light in the world that continues on in the lives of those he touched. We grieve on his passing and send much love to his family and friends who shared him with us.
Tom was a wonderful friend and housemate when we were students at St. Louis U. He is gone from our sight but he will always be in our hearts. I will miss him very much!
To Joan, Sara and Katie and all of your loved ones:
Tom was a faraway cousin when I was growing up–older than me and living in remote places like South Carolina and the Mid West. But as we all grew older, the world grew smaller and Tom and his family grew closer: first as Aunt Rose Marie began visiting St. Louis periodically and sending back reports on Tom and Joan and on their two daughters, of whom Tom and Joan were very proud; second as Tom stepped up, out of the blue, and endeavored to help my son AJ get a decent college education; and finally as our lives converged around Aunt Rose Marie in her final years. After we gathered in Corning to celebrate Aunt Rose Marie’s life, Tom sent me a note telling me that he was sorry that he would not have more time to get to know me better. Time runs out on all of us, sooner or later, but Tom used his well. He is an inspiration to those he left behind. I’m sorry for your troubles.
Tom and I are great grandsons of Daniel and Mary Leahy Kelly and, therefore, second cousins. The year (1965-66) that I was at St. Louis University studying for my A.M.(R) in medieval history, Tom and I lived in the same residence and generally eat dinner together at the same table. He was a terrific person. May he enjoy life everlasting. My condolences to his widow and entire family. Ed Kelly
Sara and Family,
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I remember Mr. McGinnis’ kind demeanor and funny jokes during our college years. He and your mom always made me feel like family when they would visit or I would visit you. I am grateful to have know such a kind soul. Take care of yourselves and may you be comforted by all of your wonderful memories together.
Sending love…
Joan and family..
I am so sorry..nothing can prepare you for this moment…please know I care and am praying for you..Tom has the ultimate peace now..
Remember that and take strength from it.
Love to you all.
Rosie Burnett
Tom was my older first cousin. We spent many Sundays as young children together in our grandmother Agnes Kelly Sweeney’s home in Towanda, PA. Tom and I were expected to do well and, it being an Irish family, there was pressure to do well in school and to perform at family get-togethers. After Tom’s family moved to South Carolina, I don’t recall seeing him again for at least 40 years. Then my wife Lynn and I visited with him and Joan in St. Louis. This was may be ten years ago. It was very uplifting to see him again and to reminisce about those days in a small Pennsylvania town so long ago. Our Aunt Rose Marie talked a lot about Tom, when we would go to see her annually in Corning from our home in Memphis. When we conserved Rose Marie’s papers at her request after she passed away, we found countless photos and other material showing the close bonds with Tom and Joan. I only wish I’d had more time to see him.
Joan and Family=
I am so sorry about your loss. Nancy T. told me. If there is anything I can do for any of you please do not hesitate to let me know.
Prayers for the strength to get through these difficult times are being sent your way.
Love,
Lois
I wish the deepest condolences to Tom’s wife, Joan, to his daughters, Sara and Katie, and to his grandchildren, Patrick, Dominic, Claire, and Gabby.
Joan and family you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Praying for all of you love from Pam & Ted
I’m so very sorry to learn about the death of my first cousin, Tom…My memories of him are mostly linked to my childhood and young adult years, but I was always kept up to date on his remarkable life and achievements by my late Aunt Rose Marie who was very close to both of us…We met again at her funeral, several years ago, and I looked forward to communicating more with him and his wonderful family during my retirement years…May he rest in peace and may Joan and his daughters be comforted by the knowledge that his memory will live on in all of our extended family…Our deepest condolences, Phil and Alexis
Dearest Joan and family,
You are all in my prayers and fond memories; certainly Tom will always be. I have not yet told Edward of Tom’s passing as he is still in Healthpark Rehabilitation Center, recovering from a stroke. I know you will understand.
With all our love,
Chris