John H. McGinness

John H. McGinness, beloved husband, father and grandfather passed away peacefully surrounded by family on November 30, 2022.  John was one of eight children born to the late Harrison and Marie McGinness of Moriah, New York. 

John enlisted in the United States Army in 1950 and served overseas as a medic in the Korean Conflict.  After serving his country, John went to work for International Paper for 46 years.  During this time, he also served his community as a Port Henry Police Officer for 23 years and as the town’s dog warden for decades. 

Ever a sports enthusiast John enjoyed following all sports but had a special love for baseball and the Boston Red Sox.  He enjoyed playing cards, sharing his love for animals, listening to country music, and spending time with his children and grandchildren.  John was always first to lend a helping hand or a listening ear to his friends, family and community.  

John is survived by his wife, Doris (Sprague) of 66 years and their six children: Elaine Smith, Anne Marie (Dale) Smith, Michael (Carol) McGinness, Nancy Uvyn, Patrick (Mary Hope) McGinness, and David Joseph (William Alvin Shannon) McGinness.  He is also survived by his grandchildren Robert Smith II and Curtis John Smith;  Jessica Smith, Jennifer Smith and Hannah Rissler; David McGinness and Elizabeth McGinness; Lindsey Panasci and Jordan McGinness; Michelle Uvyn and Alex Uvyn; eight great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

John is survived by his sister Judy Yurgeau and predeceased by his siblings Lillian Michiner, Iva Knapp, Harold McGinness, George McGinness, Marshall McGinness and Tony McGinness.  John is also predeceased by his son-in-law Robert Smith.

John will be missed by all and loved for generations to come.

The family would like to thank all the organizations who helped with John’s care over the years.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, Dec. 5th at 1:00 PM in the South Moriah Cemetery.

To leave a message for the family visit https://www.harlandfuneralhome.com/

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in John’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association, Veterans Administration or the Wounded Warrior Project.

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