of Greenwood Lake, NY, formerly of Ormond Beach, FL, passed away on July 5, 2010 at St. Anthony’s Hospital, Warwick, NY. He was 87 years old. The son of the late James Patrick and Martha Agnes (Colby) McGinley, Vincent was born on March 28, 1923 in Brooklyn, NY. He valued the Catholic education he received through a football scholarship at Chaminade High School, where he participated in shotput, track and boxing. His college education at St. Bonaventure’s was interrupted by the outbreak of WWII, and he later earned his Master’s degree in International Relations from Boston University.
Vincent retired as a major from the US Army after proudly serving 26 years. A WWII veteran, he received a battlefield commission and was awarded a Purple Heart for combat injuries sustained while serving under General Patton’s 10th Armored Division at the Battle of the Bulge. Vincent’s long military career included overseas assignments in Germany (part of the Army occupation force), in Korea and Alaska (prior to statehood.) Vincent served in the 82nd Airborne Division, in the 101st Airborne Division, in the 10th Special Forces, the 1st Calvary Division and was a Pathfinder and a Ranger.
Upon retirement, Vincent directed his passion for learning into a new career in education. He was a professor of international relations and American history at several community colleges, and found his work at Daytona Beach Community College particularly rewarding. Vincent also worked as an Education Services officer for the US Army in Europe and for the US Navy in North Dakota. He was an avid proponent of following one’s dreams, and encouraged all to “aim high, do your best” and pursue one’s educational goals.
Vincent enjoyed his work as a member of the Greenwood Lake School Board, and was a proponent of building the Greenwood lake Middle School. He served as a Greenwood Lake Village judge and owned a local real estate agency.
Vincent was married to the late Irene Theresa (Sadler) McGinley, and is survived by their five beloved children and grandchildren: Christine Earles of Greenwood Lake, Kathleen McGinley and her husband Dr. Jose Lopez of Apopka, FL, Marilyn Solsman of Woodstock, GA, CPT USN James McGinley and his wife Camille, of Ft. Jackson, SC, and Loretta McGinley and her husband Ken Stephens of Poulsbo, WA, Alicia Solsman, Mary Elizabeth Bauch, Robert Thomas Bauch, Katherine Alexis Stephens, and Sarah Stephens; and by his sister, Audrey Duhigg, of Daytona Beach, FL.
Vincent was the “best father in the whole world.” He was an eternal optimist, who loved life and its unending affirming possibilities. He deeply loved his family (including furry loved ones), courageously faced life’s trials (energized by the “challenge” they posed) and maintained a firm focus on appreciating what he had while keeping his back straight and moving forward. Vincent loved the beauty and bounty of nature, basking endless hours in the sun and was always on the lookout for the next life adventure (and chocolate milkshake). His family extends deepest appreciation to the staff at St. Anthony’s, where he received wonderful care in his last days.
Memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, July 10, 2010, from 11:00 am-1:00 pm at Lazear-Smith & Vander Plaat Memorial Home, 17 Oakland Avenue, Warwick, NY, followed by a memorial service at 1:00 p.m.
Vincent will be interred with full military honors on November 12, 2010 at Arlington National Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to Greenwood Lake Ambulance. Inc., 2 Sterling Road, Greenwood Lake, NY 10925.