Thomas Netherlands McGinnis, Jr.

Thomas Netherlands McGinnis, Jr. took off on his final trip on July 21, 2023. He was felled by COVID after avoiding it for 3 years. He is survived by his bride of 72 years, Winifred Robinson McGinnis; children Cheryl McGinnis (Ed Woolman), Thomas “Skip” McGinnis (Lauren), Tim McGinnis, Shannon Cummings (Jim), and Sheilah Orgeron (Ray).
Grandchildren: Meghan Musser, Molly Byrne, Amy Liccardi (Rob), Elizabeth Mavromatis (Mike), Jennifer McGinnis, Carol McGinnis, Tim McGinnis, Jr. (Michelle), Melissa Balser (Ray), Meghan Carpenter (Charlie), Ryan Orgeron and Alex Orgeron; and 17 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by parents Thomas McGinnis and Verna Schuler McGinnis and sister Doris McGinnis Cook.

Tom was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA. After graduating from John Bartram High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. While awaiting transfer to Germany from Washington, DC, he attended a community dance and spent the evening dancing with his friend’s date, Winnie. They dated about 3 months and he proposed before he shipped out. She said she would wait for him for the 2 years he would be gone. He met his future father-in-law before his departure and got his approval. During this time, Winnie traveled to Philadelphia and bonded with his family.

In the Army, he started working in the Signal Corps. In his spare time, he played the trumpet. His roommate got so tired of listening to him practice that he suggested he audition for the band. It was a successful audition and he spent the remainder of his time touring Germany with the 30th Army band. In 1950 he returned and they were married at St. Joseph’s Church in Gretna.

He settled in Philadelphia and worked at Gulf Oil. After all of the children were born, the family relocated to Harvey. He worked several places before working at South Central Bell. Starting as a coin collector and eventually became supervisor over the department and retired after 20 years.

He and Winnie started traveling the world. Their first trip was a cruise around Hawaii followed by tours to China and Australia. They climbed the Great Wall, saw clay warriors, trekked on the Franz Josef glacier, took a hot air balloon over the Outback and many other adventures. He said that New Zealand was the most beautiful place he had ever seen. They also ventured forth on family trips with their children and grandchildren to Croatia, Italy, Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Hawaii, Ireland, and Great Britain. On each trip he declared it would be his last. We started naming them his last trip, Part 2, etc. He managed to get to Part 6 before travel became too arduous. His final trip began today, July 21, when he met up with Tony Bennett on his way to the Pearly Gates. I’m sure he shared some wiseacre comments with St. Peter on his way
 
to start drinking with his brothers-in-law and play pinochle with his sister and parents.

He was an avid bowler, trivia buff (especially old movies), voracious reader, hard worker, devoted husband and father. He was very proud of his military service and attended unit reunions for many years. You knew he liked you if he bestowed a nickname on you.

Following a private burial, there will be a celebration of his life on Saturday, July 29 at 4PM at Stonebridge Country Club, 1500 Stonebridge Dr. Gretna. Please join us to honor this wonderful man.

Mothe Funeral Home is assisting the family during this difficult time. Family and friends are encouraged to share their condolences, stories and memories by visiting: www.mothefunerals.com.