Joseph P. McGinnis

Joseph Peter McGinnis, aged 86, of Honesdale, Pennsylvania passed away on October 1, 2021.

Joe was born on August 30, 1935, to parents, Joseph and Adelaide in Honesdale, PA.
He is predeceased by his lovely wife Helen (Knash) and brother, Dave McGinnis.
He is survived by his siblings, Mary Kay Tenbus of Vero Beach, FL, Larry McGinnis of Beach Lake, PA, Vincent McGinnis of Honesdale, PA and Susan Ruth of Nazareth, PA.
Additionally, his children, Patrick McGinnis (m. Tina Hatfield) of Jenkintown, PA, Paul McGinnis and Christina McGinnis of Honesdale, PA.

Growing up in Honesdale PA, Joe was an alter boy in St. Johns Catholic church and a trumpet player in the Maple City band. He also was a volunteer fireman in Texas # 4.

After graduating from high school, Joe served in the US Army. In 1957 he was a member of the championship rifle team in France. He received an associates degree in mechanical engineering and drafting from Penn State. He married Helen Knash and raised his family of 3 in Raubsville, PA.

He worked for a variety of Lehigh Valley companies involved in machine design. He co-held patents based on high speed printing and paper handling. He also had a construction background that culminated in being a supervisor at the construction of the PPL Power Plant in Martins Creek PA.

After moving back to Honsedale in 1988, he was involved in many local Wanye County construction projects including the Dimmick Building restoration, Area of Aging Building, & Wayne County Recycling center.

Joe was a “Maker” his entire life. He worked with wood, metal , stained glass. He designed and built items large and small. Always hand drawing a sketch before beginning the project. He built his house and second small home in Honesdale and assisted others in building their homes.

An avid gardener, reader and home wine enthusiast, Joe was often found relaxing on his porch with a glass of wine always willing to catch up and share stories from his past.

Friends may visit Hessling Funeral Home, Inc., 428 Main St. Honesdale on Thursday, October 7th, 4 to 7. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Friday at St. Mary Magdalen Church, 416 Church St. Honesdale at 10 am. Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemtery. A remembrance luncheon for family and friends will follow at the Central House, 81 Milanville Rd. Beach Lake, PA.

In lieu of flowers, consider donating to a charity in Joe’s name such as Boy’s Town or St Jude Childrens Hospital